Spain Faculty and Staff
Hero Banner - 3 Photos
Dear Prospective Students,
I would like to share a few thoughts about why spending a school year at SYA Spain can be an exceptionally exciting, meaningful, and even life-changing educational experience. Studying abroad presents challenges for sure, but for so many of our students, it has been an extraordinary experience of immeasurable growth and discovery.
As a resident of Zaragoza, you’ll pursue a challenging high school curriculum and engage in an adventure that prepares you for life in countless ways. You will decidedly improve your Spanish, become part of a local family, learn to adapt to a new way of life, and discover many aspects of the diverse cultural tapestry of Spain. Judging by the experiences of SYA alumni, we can say that spending a school year abroad may well help define your college major, career, and life.
The faculty at SYA Spain and I are here to help you achieve your highest academic potential and to learn as much as possible about the Spanish language and culture. SYA will give you the opportunity to spend your sophomore, junior or senior year of high school making Spain another place to call home. The level of language you acquire will depend on your effort and engagement, of course, but I can assure you that we have witnessed remarkable achievement in so many of our students. Engage with the people and the culture, and they will enrich you in countless ways!
If you or your parents have any questions about Spain or the program, feel free to contact our Admissions Office at 978.725.6828. They will be glad to answer your questions and tell you about our school in Zaragoza and the SYA experience.
Sincerely,
Rocio Alejo Rodriguez
Resident Director
SYA Spain
![Rocio Alejo Rodriguez stands wearing glasses, a hat, and a brown coat in front of a tree]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695135254/sya/vqhikt8lwxp5twwdpoqn/ES-Rodriguez-Rocio.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1695135254/sya/vqhikt8lwxp5twwdpoqn/ES-Rodriguez-Rocio.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1695135254/sya/vqhikt8lwxp5twwdpoqn/ES-Rodriguez-Rocio.png","width":800}])
Role at SYA Spain
Resident Director
Pronouns
She/Her
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
My favorite place is the Montes de Toledo, a mountain range near my city, Toledo.
What is your hidden talent?
Acting
What is your favorite hobby?
Running
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Seize every opportunity to use the language, and listen when people correct you.
![A man stands smiling and facing the camera, he has grey hair and a red shirt]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1634916009/sya/paw858efetftuwtmw8er/ES-AviladelaTorre_Alvaro.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1634916009/sya/paw858efetftuwtmw8er/ES-AviladelaTorre_Alvaro.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1634916009/sya/paw858efetftuwtmw8er/ES-AviladelaTorre_Alvaro.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1634916009/sya/paw858efetftuwtmw8er/ES-AviladelaTorre_Alvaro.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1634916009/sya/paw858efetftuwtmw8er/ES-AviladelaTorre_Alvaro.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1634916009/sya/paw858efetftuwtmw8er/ES-AviladelaTorre_Alvaro.jpg","width":2200}])
Role at SYA Spain
History, Art and Political Science Teacher
Pronouns
He/Him
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
Any place with mountains and sea.
What is your hidden talent?
I have a green thumb.
What is your favorite hobby?
Learning!
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Don’t be shy and expose yourself to new experiences.
![A man stands smiling and facing the camera, he has glasses and brown hair. He wears a pink and blue checked shirt]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1634916008/sya/xh5yk3wqsm1nbzirdc9y/ES-Arruebo_Tomas.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1634916008/sya/xh5yk3wqsm1nbzirdc9y/ES-Arruebo_Tomas.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1634916008/sya/xh5yk3wqsm1nbzirdc9y/ES-Arruebo_Tomas.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1634916008/sya/xh5yk3wqsm1nbzirdc9y/ES-Arruebo_Tomas.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1634916008/sya/xh5yk3wqsm1nbzirdc9y/ES-Arruebo_Tomas.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1634916008/sya/xh5yk3wqsm1nbzirdc9y/ES-Arruebo_Tomas.jpg","width":2200}])
Role at SYA Spain
Instructional Technology Coordinator and Environmental Science Teacher
Pronouns
He/Him
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
The pyrenees, a mountain range close to Zaragoza where I spend many days playing sports or hanging out with relatives and friends.
What is your hidden talent?
I have a black belt in karate.
What is your favorite hobby?
Riding my bike through the countryside, playing other sports such as swimming or trekking, traveling and spending time with my family and friends are my favorite hobbies.
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
I would advise them to live in the present moment taking full advantage of this amazing, wonderful experience (it will probably change them forever), to be patient with themselves at the beginning and ask for advice when required (we are all here to support them), to be curious in their day-to-day to get to deeply understand their new cultural surroundings, to take full advantage of all the opportunities that SYA offers them while they are in the local schools, to be open to make new local and American friends (they will probably make some friendships for life) and to try to establish a close relationship with their host families.
![A woman stands smiling and facing the camera, she has black hair down to her shoulders and a white and red top on]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1634916009/sya/slw5qcvgzbslmo6kzcxn/ES-Escartin_Marta.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1634916009/sya/slw5qcvgzbslmo6kzcxn/ES-Escartin_Marta.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1634916009/sya/slw5qcvgzbslmo6kzcxn/ES-Escartin_Marta.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1634916009/sya/slw5qcvgzbslmo6kzcxn/ES-Escartin_Marta.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1634916009/sya/slw5qcvgzbslmo6kzcxn/ES-Escartin_Marta.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1634916009/sya/slw5qcvgzbslmo6kzcxn/ES-Escartin_Marta.jpg","width":2038}])
Role at SYA Spain
Spanish Language Teacher
Pronouns
She/Her
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
The Basque Country (especially San Sebastian and Fuenterrabia)
What is your hidden talent?
I'm a very transparent person so talents, if any, would not be hidden ;)
What is your favorite hobby?
Being in the mountains (climbing/cross-country skiing and reading up there is a magical combination)
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Cultivate humility and a genuine desire to learn from everything and everyone. Do not be spectators in life, take sides when possible with empathy and respect for others.
![A man stands smiling and facing the camera, he has grey and black hair and a white shirt on]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1693399898/sya/s25zrtdg9kv96g5jqezm/AndyGray.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1693399898/sya/s25zrtdg9kv96g5jqezm/AndyGray.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1693399898/sya/s25zrtdg9kv96g5jqezm/AndyGray.png","width":800}])
Role at SYA Spain
English Teacher
Pronouns
He/Him
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
My neighborhood in downtown Zaragoza!
What is your hidden talent?
Reading books to children and removing stains from clothes.
What is your favorite hobby?
Reading literature and learning languages.
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
I’ll give two. First, remember that immersive language learning requires humility, some social discomfort, a sense of humor, patience, resilience, a growth mindset and plenty of rest for your exhausted brain. Don’t think that you can just sit back and let it sink in. But if you have the right attitude, the process is a lot of fun and enables endless self-discovery. Second, avoid judgment, at least in the first weeks. Observe your host country, its people and customs, without rushing to any generalizations. As your appreciation of cultural nuances grows, your initial impressions will always be defied.
![A woman stands smiling and facing the camera. She has short blonde hair, a large necklace and a white shirt]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1634916009/sya/chqh9qoavzewmji3ghki/ES-Gutierrez_Soledad.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1634916009/sya/chqh9qoavzewmji3ghki/ES-Gutierrez_Soledad.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1634916009/sya/chqh9qoavzewmji3ghki/ES-Gutierrez_Soledad.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1634916009/sya/chqh9qoavzewmji3ghki/ES-Gutierrez_Soledad.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1634916009/sya/chqh9qoavzewmji3ghki/ES-Gutierrez_Soledad.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1634916009/sya/chqh9qoavzewmji3ghki/ES-Gutierrez_Soledad.jpg","width":2200}])
Role at SYA Spain
Art History and Spanish Language Teacher
Pronouns
She/Her
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
Costa Brava
What is your hidden talent?
I don't think I have one!
What is your favorite hobby?
Museums, walking, cinema, going to a music concert.
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Be open minded and have the courage to leave your comfort zone.
![A woman with short brown hair sits in front of a bookshelf smiling. She has a blue shirt]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1689099983/sya/qnfxadtnrjbwhohsmihn/PilarIribas.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1689099983/sya/qnfxadtnrjbwhohsmihn/PilarIribas.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1689099983/sya/qnfxadtnrjbwhohsmihn/PilarIribas.png","width":800}])
Role at SYA Spain
Experiential Spanish Teacher
Pronouns
She/Her
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
There are so many! Pina de Ebro, Estella, Donostia, the Alhama River, the Maestrazgo, the Hecho Valley...
What is your hidden talent?
If I say it, it will not longer be hidden.
What is your favorite hobby?
Reading and walking in the countryside.
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Be curious, ask, observe, participate. Always use your Spanish, we know that it is not your first language, so don't be ashamed of making mistakes. We learn from mistakes. Open your mind, enjoy and learn from this opportunity that the SYA experience gives you.
![A woman stands smiling and facing the camera, she has shoulder length brown hair and a blue and green pattern shirt]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1634916009/sya/jaycw9qeeqqrnwqvnkxr/ES-Lain_Elena.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1634916009/sya/jaycw9qeeqqrnwqvnkxr/ES-Lain_Elena.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1634916009/sya/jaycw9qeeqqrnwqvnkxr/ES-Lain_Elena.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1634916009/sya/jaycw9qeeqqrnwqvnkxr/ES-Lain_Elena.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1634916009/sya/jaycw9qeeqqrnwqvnkxr/ES-Lain_Elena.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1634916009/sya/jaycw9qeeqqrnwqvnkxr/ES-Lain_Elena.jpg","width":2200}])
Role at SYA Spain
Administrative Assistant
Pronouns
She/Her
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
I can not choose just one favorite place ;) I like the North (Asturias), the Pyrenees and Valencia.
What is your hidden talent?
I play the drum during Easter, it is a tradition in my mother’s village.
What is your favorite hobby?
I like going to zumba classes, walking, photography and traveling.
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Speak Spanish as much as you can, pay attention the things around you and make the most of your time in Spain!
![A woman stands smiling and facing the camera, she has brown and red hair to her shoulders and has on a pink top]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1634916010/sya/nwevag1ft8mbx1l90lvg/ES-Oros_Marimar.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1634916010/sya/nwevag1ft8mbx1l90lvg/ES-Oros_Marimar.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1634916010/sya/nwevag1ft8mbx1l90lvg/ES-Oros_Marimar.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1634916010/sya/nwevag1ft8mbx1l90lvg/ES-Oros_Marimar.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1634916010/sya/nwevag1ft8mbx1l90lvg/ES-Oros_Marimar.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1634916010/sya/nwevag1ft8mbx1l90lvg/ES-Oros_Marimar.jpg","width":2200}])
Role at SYA Spain
Economics Teacher and Financial Administrator
Pronouns
She/Her
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
Orotava, Cádiz
What is your hidden talent?
I am good at resolving conflicts, I always approach positions between friends and family.
What is your favorite hobby?
Reading and walking in nature.
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Have an open mind; observe everything around you and be flexible.
![A woman stands smiling and facing the camera, she has long blonde hair and a blue shirt]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1634916010/sya/czo04xbafaoxfk3ttczr/ES-Pauzauskie_Pauline.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1634916010/sya/czo04xbafaoxfk3ttczr/ES-Pauzauskie_Pauline.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1634916010/sya/czo04xbafaoxfk3ttczr/ES-Pauzauskie_Pauline.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1634916010/sya/czo04xbafaoxfk3ttczr/ES-Pauzauskie_Pauline.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1634916010/sya/czo04xbafaoxfk3ttczr/ES-Pauzauskie_Pauline.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1634916010/sya/czo04xbafaoxfk3ttczr/ES-Pauzauskie_Pauline.jpg","width":2200}])
Role at SYA Spain
College Counseling Liaison and Extracurricular Coordinator
Pronouns
She/Her
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
The Pyrenees
What is your favorite hobby?
Hiking, biking, climbing and spending time outdoors as often as possible.
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Don't be afraid to make mistakes, speak Spanish at every chance!
![A woman posing for a photo with a blue background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1721836408/sya/nlql2ae9pzhmn2grrvjq/PegnetterRori.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1721836408/sya/nlql2ae9pzhmn2grrvjq/PegnetterRori.jpg","width":400}])
Role at SYA Spain
Mathematics Teacher
Pronouns
She/Her
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
The J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island
What is your hidden talent?
Cooking
What is your favorite hobby?
Long walks and Pilates
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Always give your best effort and look for opportunities.
![A woman stands in front of a hedge. She is smiling and wearing glasses and a pink shirt.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1689080736/sya/udsnsysg0qs27azvbixz/ElenaSchupp.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1689080736/sya/udsnsysg0qs27azvbixz/ElenaSchupp.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1689080736/sya/udsnsysg0qs27azvbixz/ElenaSchupp.png","width":800}])
Role at SYA Spain
Student Life Coordinator and Summer Program Coordinator
Pronouns
She/Her
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
The Pyrenees Mountains in Spain.
What is your hidden talent?
Cooking
What is your favorite hobby?
Traveling, listening to music and spending time with family.
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Enjoy every moment of the amazing experience of studying abroad. Learning new ways of living will open your mind and change the way you see the world. Be ready!!
![A man stands smiling and facing the camera, he has grey and black hair and a white shirt on]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1634916009/sya/d4w1hitri3ihm7rawbch/ES-LopezPina_Antonio.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1634916009/sya/d4w1hitri3ihm7rawbch/ES-LopezPina_Antonio.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1634916009/sya/d4w1hitri3ihm7rawbch/ES-LopezPina_Antonio.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1634916009/sya/d4w1hitri3ihm7rawbch/ES-LopezPina_Antonio.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1634916009/sya/d4w1hitri3ihm7rawbch/ES-LopezPina_Antonio.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1634916009/sya/d4w1hitri3ihm7rawbch/ES-LopezPina_Antonio.jpg","width":2200}])
Pronouns: He/him
What is your favorite place or site in your country?
San Sebastián, Cartagena, Toledo.
What is your hidden talent?
I don't even know it myself.
What is your favorite hobby?
I like reading and riding a bike.
What is one piece of advice for future SYA students?
Fight against prejudices and stereotypes of any kind.