The challenge of learning a new language stretches the mind in new ways and changes the way one thinks. Imagine learning to teach something so innate—then factor in a new country, a new school, and a new culture of learning.

Maria Ramajo is doing just that. Originally from Valladolid, a city two hours north of Madrid, Spain, Ramajo arrived at St. Paul Academy in the early fall through Amity Scholars, a program for students who wish to become teachers.

The program places college students in internships and teaching positions throughout the country. Ramajo and SPA were randomly matched, but Ramajo decided to stay at SPA for the full year.

Ramajo has previously been to Minnesota for a summer exchange program and has already been introduced to the culture, but she hadn’t been exposed to the culture of education in the United States.

“The biggest surprise was probably the respect of the students to the teachers. That doesn’t exist in Spain at all. First of all, we don’t say Mr. and Mrs.; they call us by our first name. So that’s a big difference. I don’t feel comfortable yet with being called Señora—that’s weird,” Ramajo said.

Learning a language in the United States is structured differently than learning a language in Spain.

“[Learning in Spain] is more memoristic. When I learned English in school, it’s just, ‘ is is the verb and you have to memorize it.’ All the Spanish teachers [here] speak very good Spanish and speak Spanish in class,” Ramajo said.

Ramajo has only been at SPA for a few months, but she’s been impressed with the education style.

“I love this type of education that’s more focused on the goals that each student has, rather than just regular information that doesn’t match with our personal expectations,” Ramajo said.

Ramajo has found a challenge in learning to teach Spanish, a skill that has been second nature to her for her entire life.

“I’m not a Spanish teacher, I’m a history teacher. I know how to speak Spanish and I know how to conjugate, but I don’t know how to explain it,” Ramajo said.

During the rest of her stay in the United States, Ramajo hopes to see more of the country and looks forward to traveling.

“I want to know more about the United States, and I want to know different states. I have [only] been in New York, Wisconsin, and Minnesota before,”
Ramajo said.

This story is reprinted from The Rubicon Print edition: Nov 21, 2017