From Spain to Our Campus

Maclay Welcomes Lluna and Jose

Jose Aguilar-Palop (left) and Lluna Miro Illan (right). Photo by Nidhi Ponnaganti/Maclay Andalusian

For many, studying abroad is a dream that comes true in college or not at all. But for two of Maclay’s newest sophomores this goal became reality much sooner. Meet Lluna Miro Illan and Maria “Jose” Aguilar-Palop.

“In 10th grade, it’s been my goal that I’m going to stay in the U.S.,” Illan said. “I asked my parents, and they agreed because they did it too.”

In Spain, it’s common for generations of families to study abroad, with many students heading to places like England, Ireland and the United States. Some participate in student exchange programs, while others find host families willing to open their homes for a year–the latter being the case for our newest students. Aguilar-Palop found her host family when her mom posted a Facebook post that one of her mom’s friends saw. Meanwhile, Illan’s decision was influenced by her cousins, who had previously studied abroad and stayed with her current host family.

“I haven't gotten homesick,” Aguilar-Palop said. “My host family and I eat together and everything. It hasn't been uncomfortable.”

While some international students leave their study abroad experience wishing to move to the United States permanently, others are happy to return to their home countries. Every experience is unique; each student comes with their own expectations and leaves with their own results. Based on what she’s seen so far, Aguilar-Palop is interested in coming back one day. When it comes to expectations, both Illan and Aguilar-Palop entered this experience knowing it would be very different, with only movies as a reference. Some events they’re most excited for are football games and homecoming.

“I expected a typical high school movie, and it is,” Aguilar-Palop said. “The school’s very open.”

One of the biggest day-to-day differences they’ve noticed between Spain and the U.S. is in transportation. In Spain, public transport is common, and neither students commute to school by car. In general, the distances in between locations are much shorter.

Additionally, an average school day in Spain differs significantly from one in the U.S. In Spain, students have one homeroom and teachers rotate between classes. In Aguilar-Palop’s case, the school is smaller, consisting of one singular building. 

“Classes here are much more flexible,” Aguilar-Palop said. “I get to socialize more.”

Both Illan and Aguilar-Palop describe their classmates as friendly and welcoming. Illan believes that enrolling in an American school is much easier than if she had transferred to another school in Spain. They’re both beginning to adjust to the academics with not much trouble. Illan is enjoying her Intro to Psychology class while Aguilar-Palop looks forward to her Advanced Honors Algebra II class. In terms of athletics, Aguilar-Palop is starting basketball conditioning, while Illan’s looking forward to getting involved in soccer and track season. Although, Aguilar-Palop is recovering from a knee injury, and Illan from a general leg injury.

“I'm so excited; the teams seem nice,” Illan said. “My doctor told me not to train too hard this year, but I am going to try.”

Illan and Aguilar-Palop aren’t only forced to adjust to school; even outside of Maclay, they are experiencing cultural shocks, specifically with the food. Illan was surprised at how different everything tastes, finding everything much more processed compared to fresher and healthier options in Europe. She recalls the first time she tried Chick Fil A–for her, the taste difference was shocking. Besides that, both students emphasize how much larger everything is here.

“The health difference in food is crazy to me,” Illan said. “But also, everything's big: big trucks, big places and big distances.”

Despite these major changes, both students are adjusting very well to life in a different atmosphere. They both are enthusiastic and positive about their year to come, which hasn’t gone unnoticed. Both their classmates and teachers have nothing to say but kind words regarding them.

“They’re super nice and always make me feel better,” sophomore Meghan Lawler said. “They’re both great friends.”

As both girls navigate the rest of the year, they’re embracing both the challenges and joys that come with studying abroad. By the end, Illan and Aguilar-Palop hope to be able to take some lifelong memories back with them. They’re both examples of why everyone should welcome new experiences and take advantage of opportunities.