Ana Novoa, Rotary's youth exchange student from Spain, provides an early look at her experiences as an exchange student. She talked about daily life and culture in her region of Spain, Galicia.
Ana Novoa is from the city of Vigo in Galicia, a region in the northeast corner Spain. Their language is a mixture between Portugese and Spanish. Vigo is a hilly city of 300,000 in a large apartment building with its own pool and athletic courts. The city includes modern shopping areas and an “old town” with beautiful historic buildings and restaurants. Many tourists come to her city, especially to sporting events. The Cies Islands are across the bay from her home city. This is a beautiful area with clear water and swimming beaches.

Ana has a large group of good friends, and leaving Spain to come to the United States was very emotional. It was a bit easier because there are seven students on Rotary exchange this year, including three of her friends. One of her best friends is in Nevada. Coming to River Falls was quite a culture shock. As an example, in her hometown, she can walk or take public transportation almost everywhere she needs to go. Also, most who live downtown live in apartments; single family homes are on the outskirts of town. The weather is quite mild, so she is not looking forward to winter in Wisconsin.

The last two years of high school are the most important in Spain, as exams determine future college options. When Ana returns to Spain, she will have one year left. Her school schedule is from 8am-2pm, after which they go home for lunch and rest. They then either have sports or study. Sports aren’t connected with school. Ana clarified that while there isn’t always homework, students study daily in preparation for exams, which are very challenging. She primarily spends time with friends on the weekends.
Ana’s parents both work downtown. Her dad is an auditor and her mom works at a bank Both work afternoons, so they have a babysitter who comes in to help with household tasks and care for her younger brother. Ana has two brothers, ages 14 and 11. Her brothers both play tennis; her younger brother plays saxophone. Here in River Falls, Ana was on the tennis team this fall.

If planning a trip to Spain, Ana suggests visiting the south of Spain, including Sevilla and the coast. Her father live there until he was 18 and they still have many family members there. She visits Madrid a few times a year, because she has cousins there, but says there are other more beautiful cities. As an example, she hasn’t been to Barcelona, on the northeast coast, but has heard it is also an amazing city to visit. The islands off the east coast of Spain are also supposed to be beautiful, but tend to be known for their parties.

In addition to English, Spanish and Galacian, Ana has also had four years of French.