Meet Arturo from Spain

Arturo from Spain writes about his year so far attending the Georgiana Bruce Kirby School in Santa Cruz, California. 

"My favorite memory was having Thanksgiving with my host family, because it was my first time, and meeting all the other members of the family was really pleasant. What surprised me about the U.S. was the huge traffic in California, and I did not expect them to be so similar to Europeans (in many aspects) which made it way easier for me to adapt.

I chose Georgiana Bruce Kirby School because the location is great, and I wanted to try going to a small school. Indeed, it's a preparatory school, and I wanted to go to a hard school in order to prepare myself for college.

My favorite class is economics, and my favorite activity here is basketball.

This experience is opening my mind to new possibilities in life, apart from meeting new people with new cultures to learn about. Indeed, as an individual you will become a mature person, and at least more independent.

My advice for other students is to come to the U.S. It might seem like a hard decision, but once you get there you realize that it's the best thing you could have done. But, if you ever have restlessness or a problem do not be afraid to text/call  your CIEE Local Coordinator or Support. And never forget to talk with your parents and close relatives, they will miss you more than you miss them. Never forget, this opportunity comes once, so please do not waste it."