Meet Calleigh - SYA Spain 2026
Extracurriculars Abroad: I took a ballet class once a week and did a short 4-week baking class!
Favorite SYA Class: My favorite class was English with Ms. Sara! She is such an incredible teacher.
Favorite Food in Spain: My favorite food was tortilla española!
How did SYA impact your college search process?
SYA made me really consider applying to college abroad, not only in Spain but in places like the UK and Ireland as well.
Do you have a favorite memory with your host family?
One of my favorite memories with my host family was during Zaragoza’s city festival, named Los Pilares. They let me borrow a traditional dress from Seville and walk with them in a parade to put flowers near the Basilica of Pilar. Being a part of the hundreds of people dressed up to carry out an important tradition really made me feel integrated into the city, and my new family. I’m so grateful that they wanted to include me!
What did you learn abroad that surprised you?
One thing that surprised me about Spain was how culturally important family is. Many families take every opportunity they can, such as holidays and long weekends, to meet and spend time together. Another aspect of this is eating together; especially on Sundays, Spanish families typically take time to have lunch or dinner together. Afterwards, they sit and talk for a few hours, a cultural practice called sobremesa.