This fall, the sophomore class welcomed Network Exchange students into the Sacred Heart Greenwich community. Paula Sanchez from Santa Maria del Valle in Sevilla, Spain arrived in September and stays with sophomore Juliet Lannamann. Lola Gárces from Sagrado Corazón Rosales in Madrid, Spain spent the beginning of the fall visiting sophomore Clare Junius. In addition to the arrival of Spanish exchange students, sophomore Eugenia Piriz hosted Jade Gautier, who spent four weeks visiting from La Perverie Sacré Coeur in Nantes, France. These exchange students reflected on the similarities and differences between living in the United States (US) and their home countries.
Both Spanish students compared their school lives in Spain and Greenwich, Connecticut, sharing their perspectives on moving from class to class and the difference in schedules. First, Paula discussed the similarities between her schedule in Sevilla with here in US. In Sevilla, Paula wakes up at the same time as she does here and has a similar daily routine. She learns the same subject matter in school, such as math and chemistry. She felt that this allowed her to quickly adjust to the classroom setting in the US. However, she noted that the movement from class to class differs from her schedule in her home country.
“In Sevilla, we stay in the same class, and we have one teacher for all the subjects instead of moving from class to class,” Paula said.
In contrast to Paula’s quick adaptation to the schedule, Lola discovered it difficult to adapt because her routine in Greenwich is very different from what it is in Madrid. Lola noted that each meal in the US is earlier in the day, as she eats dinner at 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. in Spain but eats dinner in the US at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m.
Lola noticed the emphasis surrounding sports in the US, which is not as prevalent in Madrid. Since stepping on the Greenwich campus, the sports activities and the positive atmosphere of the camaraderie within the teams have captivated her. Lola has enjoyed watching Clare compete on the water. She herself tried out rowing and commented on the impact it had on her.
“We went to a regatta, which is not very popular in Madrid,” Lola said. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve loved to go rowing. If the weather is good, then it is such a beautiful experience.”
As the Spanish exchange students study similar school subjects here and in Spain, they feel it has given them an advantage when adjusting to their new schedules. However, Jade shared that her biggest challenge was learning the new subject matter central to the school’s curriculum.
“The biggest difference is theology because it is not something that is obligated in school in France,” Jade said. “It was also really hard to learn algebra at first because it is not the same math we learn.”
In addition to the different subject matter between both schools, Jade observed the contrasting learning dynamics. She noticed the different relationships that exist within the school, commenting on the relationship between the student and the teacher.
“The relationship between the student and the teacher is closer than in France, and you are able to communicate with the teacher,” Jade said.
Despite the diversity in the schedules and backgrounds of the exchange students, their gratitude for the opportunity to participate in exchange unites them. Paula provided advice for anyone considering exchange.
“If you have the opportunity to do an exchange, do it,” Paula said. “Don’t be shy; try to spend the most time with your exchange student and be confident in yourself.”
Featured Image by Michaela White ’26
