A Semester in Spain: Luke Schumacher ’26 Shares His Study Abroad Experience
For Luke Schumacher ’26, a Concord Academy junior looking to break free from his daily routine, studying abroad was a leap into the unknown—and it paid off in ways he never imagined.
He enrolled in the School Year Abroad (SYA) program this fall and spent the semester immersed in Zaragoza. The fifth largest city in Spain, it is halfway between Barcelona and Madrid. With its close-knit community, it offered Luke an authentic and deeply enriching cultural experience.
Initially, Luke’s parents were hesitant about him studying abroad, but they changed their minds after learning about SYA’s academic rigor and reading the testimonials of past students. For Luke, who has studied Spanish for most of his life, Spain was the natural choice for the destination.
While abroad, Luke balanced a full course load, taking six classes. In English, he took math and English literature. His courses in Spanish included Spanish language, experiential Spanish, Spanish theater, and political science.
Spanish theater became one of his favorite classes. Students put on an original play written by the teacher. Studying the characters, memorizing the script, and performing in Spanish was a creative outlet.
Another standout was the political science class. “Discussing philosophy and politics was a huge language builder,” says Luke. “By the end of the semester, speaking Spanish became natural, and I stopped translating in my head—it just became second nature.”
Beyond the classroom, Luke says he developed a deep connection with his host family: “We ate dinner together every night and talked about our days.” The daily tradition grounded him in the experience and helped him learn more about the community.
Luke’s time in Spain was full of unforgettable moments, among them a school trip to Toledo. A former capital of Spain, the city is known for its Christian, Jewish, and Moorish architecture. Exploring the city’s buildings and art left him feeling inspired.
A local highlight was the Pilar Festival in Zaragoza, an annual celebration held in honor of the patron saint of the city. Attending the festivities, including a parade and carnival, helped him bond with his classmates and friends on a deeper level.
The most important thing Luke learned from his trip was a sense of independence and personal growth. “The biggest lesson I learned was to be adaptable,” Luke says. “Being over there taught me to be open to new experiences—it does wonders for you. You also learn to be authentic to yourself when staying in a new place.”
His advice to students considering studying abroad: “Do it—if you can be resilient and get out of your comfort zone. There were obstacles along the way, but I look back at it so fondly.”
Now back home, Luke says the experience left a lasting impression. “I want to go back to Spain in college,” he says. “I miss my friends, my host family, and the city.”
