At the start of the 2024-25 school year, the GA community welcomed seven Spanish exchange students from the Europa International School in Seville, Spain, to spend the first month of their school year at GA.
This program was led by Spanish teacher Mr. Carlos Chubb and has been an enriching experience for all involved. As their time at GA is coming to a close, the exchange students will be returning with great memories, friendships, and experiences that will be cherished forever.
Host students Bryn Sweeney ’26 and Niyati Jhonagalada ’27 have learned so much while partaking in this program.
“It was actually really fun. I was a bit scared in the beginning because we did not know each other, we had just texted but it has been a great experience,” Jhnoagalada said. “I learned a lot and we became very close. Hosting wise there were zero issues.”
“It was definitely interesting, because you have someone at your house 24/7 that you don’t know in the beginning, but you get to know them very quickly and it has been so fun.” Sweeney said.
Sweeney and Johnagalada’s Spanish Exchange students Paula Malero ’27 and Marta Romero ’26 have loved being a part of the GA community, exploring the surrounding cities, and experiencing new things.
“A highlight for me was running all across Philly to grab donuts because Jack Durkin [‘26, another student host] said the shop was a 20-minute walk and we had 30 minutes before we had to meet up with Mr. Chubb so we were running all over the main street and Mr. Chubb got mad,” Romero said.
“I really like how close and nice everyone is at GA. I think that there is a big sense of community here, which I have really enjoyed being a part of,” Malero said. “ I have made a lot friends, so hopefully I will be back soon”
As a host in the exchange program, Jhonagalada has learned so much about how school life differs between students attending GA and the Europa International School in Spain.
“Paula has mentioned a few times how there is more freedom at GA, but also uniform there are differences.” Jhonagalada said. “They are not allowed to wear nails and other basic differences like the type of shoes that you really would not think about day to day but once you are living with someone from a different country and continent you learn and become more aware”
Malero and Romero similarly have highlighted what they have noticed about the differences between life at GA compared to in Spain.
“I definitely feel like you guys have more freedom when it comes to picking your classes, as well as all the levels” Malero said. “We just have one math class for everyone in the year. So, for example, we don’t have four levels for languages, such as French 1 or French 2 Honors.”
“We don’t have free periods, and I live for those. I love them.” Romero said. “Also advisory, the games we play, and being a part of a House [are different].”
Looking forward to the spring, Jhonagalada and Sweeney, along with five other GA students, will travel to Seville, Spain to stay with Malero, Romero, and other hosts. Both are looking forward to immersing themselves in a new culture and reuniting with their exchange partners.
“I am looking forward to it being warm, taking new classes with a bunch of new people and going to La Feria, which is a cultural festival,” Jhonagalada said.
“I’m excited to see all the exchange students again and also getting to leave the country because I have never actually before,” Sweeney said.