This past year Sterling High school’s Laney Zuithoff had the chance to immerse herself in Spanish culture through an exchange program. She welcomed Paula Pinero Garcia, a student from Seville Spain into her family during July; in return, Zuithoff spent August through mid- September living with Pinero Garcia’s family in Spain.
“I could pick any country and Spain was kind of a spontaneous choice,” Zuithoff said. “I wanted to learn more Spanish and be surrounded by a very different culture.”
Although it was her first time traveling abroad, Laney approached this with adventure, excitement, and curiosity. She admitted she didn’t do much planning on her own since Pinero Garcia’s family organized most of the trip. “I packed a huge suitcase,” Zuithoff laughed. “It would’ve been more helpful to know more Spanish before I went.”
Arriving in Spain brought immediate culture surprises. Zuithoff stated that it was very hot and everyone dressed so nicely. The time line felt different, too, with late night dinners, long lunches, and a sleep schedule that started later in the day. People there are a lot friendlier, and everyone stays out much later than in the U.S.
Her host family lives in Seville, but Zuithoff traveled extensively during her stay. She visited El Bosque, Ronda, Arcos de la Frontera, La Antilla Beach, Rota, Pamplona, San Sebastián, Bilbao, and even crossed into Portugal for a day. When asked about her most memorable moments, she said, “Probably going to Portugal, or spending a day at the beach with a big group of friends. But honestly, some of my favorite times were just hanging out with my little host brother.”
Food played an important role in her experience abroad. Unlike her usual routine back home, most meals in Spain were homemade and fresh. “Everything was so healthy and all home cooked,” She said.
Zuithoff didn’t make many close friends due to the language barrier, but she built a strong connection with Pinero Garcia and her family. Spending time with them helped her realize her own strength. She said that she learned that she was an adaptable person, Zuithoff explained she was not afraid to talk to people like she thought she was.
The exchanges also changed the way she viewed the world. “It opened my eyes. All those other cultures are real. America can be kind of close minded,” she reflected. “If you’re going to go to another country, definitely educate yourself. It made me want to travel more and see more of the world.”
Zuithoff’s experience in Spain was a transformative journey of self discovery and cultural information. It challenged her assumptions, and initiated her passion for exploring the world. As she reflected on her time, she noticed that the most valuable lesson was not found in a textbook, but the connection she made with the challenges she overcame.
