For students here at Liberty, school is the same routine filled with classes, homework, and after school activities. But, for Lola Salado, coming to Liberty has been an entirely different experience. Lola, a student from Spain, spent the year here at Liberty and learned many differences between American and Spanish education, particularly when it comes to school spirit and extracurricular activities.
When asked how she felt about attending school in America, her answer was clear. She likes school in America more than back home in Spain. “It’s more fun,” Lola said, explaining that she actually looks forward to coming to class here everyday. At Liberty, she feels like there’s always something going on, whether it’s themed spirit weeks, pep rallies, or Friday night games that bring students together. She said that one of the first things that stood out to her was how much pride students in American schools have. She was surprised by how excited students get about representing their school colors, cheering for sports teams, and participating in school activities. It makes school feel more like a community rather than a place just to attend class.
Lola told us that back home in Spain, there are no organized school sports teams or spirit weeks, and students don’t have many extracurricular opportunities built into their school day. Because of this, she’s fully taken advantage of these opportunities offered here at Liberty by getting involved in several extracurricular activities. Currently, she plays on our school’s basketball team and is also a member of SCA and Champions Together. Being a part of these groups has helped her meet new people and feel more connected to the school community. One of her favorite memories so far was participating in her first spirit week. She said it was cool to see nearly every student dress up for the themed spirit days. Watching her teachers and peers doing it created a welcoming atmosphere that made her feel like she belonged. These activities are not typically offered in Spanish schools, making the experience even more memorable.
Of course, adjusting to a different country also means finding new favorites. When we asked her what things she would take back to Spain, food and people were the first things she said. Chick-fil-A and Dr Pepper were two must haves, along with her host sister, showing how close she has gotten to her host family during her stay. These small details show how exchange students often form strong connections while being here.
Lola mentioned that she had visited California before. However, she said that her experience here feels very different. “It’s different because I was on vacation there, and I’m studying here,” she said. During her trip to the West Coast, she was a tourist, enjoying the sites and culture as a visitor. But living and studying on the East Coast has allowed her to gain a stronger connection to the culture and see a side of American life that vacationing can’t offer.
Lola’s time at Liberty is proving to be more than just about gaining knowledge. She’s building friendships, immersing herself in a new culture, and navigating through a school environment that is very different from the one she knew in Spain. Lola’s journey highlights how exchange students can bring diversity into schools, all while also being busy creating many lifelong memories along the way.
For us Liberty students, Lola’s story is a reminder of how unique the American school experience can be, and how meaningful it is to welcome students from around the world into our school’s community.
