Lily Francis Lemrow-Collazo-Rosario traveled to Almería with IUHPFL last summer, and now, almost a year later, she reflects on her experience and how it has influenced her.
Lily Francis just finished up her senior year at John Adams High School in South Bend. Next year, she plans on attending the Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design at the University of Michigan where she will pursue a dual degree in Art and Design and Creative Writing.
A year ago, Lily Francis was just beginning her time in Almería, Spain. On the very first day she arrived at her site, Lily Francis was a spectator at a bullfight in the Plaza de Toros in Roquetas del Mar. “It was a distinctly Spanish tradition that I wouldn't have encountered back home, and I enjoyed embracing this part of the culture.” Cultural immersion was a theme throughout Lily Francis’s time abroad, and it helped her get the most out of her experience. In addition to the bullfight, she remembers watching soccer with her host sisters and their friends, and spending time at the Almería beach with her program peers.
Cultural immersion takes a level of adaptation. When she first arrived in Spain, Lily Francis struggled a bit with the new pace and schedule for her day. In Spain, siesta is common in the early afternoon. This is a time when everything slows down, shops are not open, and families will sometimes enjoy time together. “I had to adjust to the midday break, which is an important part of the Spanish lifestyle, and learn how essential it is for both relaxation and family time.” She did adjust, however, and this helped her to further appreciate the Spanish culture.
Reflecting on her experience, Lily Francis realizes that studying abroad helped her with her language and confidence. She took IB Spanish 5 Higher Level this past year and served as social media chair in her school’s Spanish Club. Outside of the classroom, Lily Francis has been able to use her Spanish with friends, family members, and at restaurants. She also uses Spanish to express herself creatively. Lily Francis is a poet, and since improving her Spanish skills while abroad, she has used the language more in her poetry. “I want to blend my love for poetry with the beauty of the Spanish language, creating works that bridge both cultures and connect people through shared experiences. The IUHPFL experience truly inspired me to incorporate Spanish into my poetry, and I’m excited to see where that creative path leads.”
Since the program ended, Lily Francis has stayed in touch with her host family: “We talk regularly on WhatsApp, sharing selfies and posts on Instagram, and sending nice messages just to check in on each other. It’s been really great to stay connected and maintain that bond we formed during the program.” She has also kept up with some of her program peers, supporting them in all of their various endeavors.
Lily Francis is excited to study abroad again someday. She’s considering returning to Spain or perhaps going somewhere new, like Ireland. For now, Lily Francis is looking forward to her next chapter at the University of Michigan. For students getting ready for their summer, Lily Francis has this advice: “Don’t stress about your language skills or where you're at when you start. It’s totally normal to feel anxious, but your Spanish will get better every day, and by the end of the trip, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ve learned. Make sure to challenge yourself, step out of your comfort zone, and really embrace the experience. Act like a local, immerse yourself in the culture, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—the language will come naturally when you’re having fun and learning without the pressure. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and experience it stress-free! It’s an unforgettable adventure that will stay with you forever.”
We can’t wait to hear what the future brings for Lily Francis!
