Meet Renna - SYA Spain 2026
Extracurriculars Abroad: I volunteered by teaching local high school students English, took cooking and baking classes, and also took tennis lessons.
Favorite SYA Class: My favorite class was Art History because it was something I normally would not have taken. We learned about Spanish architecture and often explored Zaragoza to see examples firsthand. We also studied artists such as Francisco Goya and Pablo Picasso, and even visited the Picasso Museum in Barcelona. I loved how hands-on the class was, because at the end of most units, we created our own artwork inspired by what we had learned. I love how the class was unique to Spain, because I wouldn’t have the opportunity to take a class like this anywhere else. Sole, my Art History teacher, made the class especially memorable!
Favorite Food in Spain: It is impossible to pick a favorite food because I don’t think there was one dish I didn’t like, but some of my favorites were Tortilla española, Patatas bravas, Jamón ibérico, and Paella. Also, the café con leche from El Criollo was the best.
How did SYA impact your college search process?
SYA had a huge impact on my college search because it helped me understand the type of environment where I truly thrive. I actually did all of my college tours after returning from SYA, and the experience completely changed the kinds of schools I was drawn to. Through SYA, I found a love for learning languages, experiencing new cultures, and meeting new people. It made me realize how important strong international programs and study abroad opportunities were to me because I wanted to continue the global perspective I developed abroad.
Do you have a favorite memory with your host family?
One of my favorite memories was from one of my first weekends in Spain, when my host family took me to their pueblo. I met their grandparents, extended family, and childhood friends. The town was tiny, and we could walk from one end of town to the other in less than five minutes. At night, the whole town gathered in a community building where we played bingo, danced, and ate bocadillos de jamón. It was one of the first moments where I truly started to bond with my host sisters and host mom, and it was so beautiful to see the lively and close-knit Spanish culture.
What did you learn abroad that surprised you?
Something that I learned while being abroad was the importance of taking risks outside of my comfort zone. Even the decision to do SYA for a full year was daunting, but it was the best decision I ever made. It gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, have a family in Spain, speak a new language, and form so many close, lasting relationships with people from all over the world. Even small steps like interviewing a local in Spanish was rewarding, because the discomfort of approaching someone gradually went away the more I did it. Now, I have learned that taking uncomfortable risks have some of the most rewarding outcomes.