Many people know Alex, but few know his story, which is one worth hearing. Alex moved to Lake Forest at the beginning of his junior year. His long journey across the Atlantic from his home in Barcelona began when his father was offered a position at AbbVie.
Those that have moved away from their home country know how difficult it is. Alex has moved countries twice. First from his home in Teià, Barcelona, Spain, then to England, and finally to Lake Forest.
“Saying goodbye was kind of difficult. Leaving my whole family and friends was very hard. That was the only place I had known my whole life,” Vilardell said.
Cultures change vastly as you drive a few hours from Chicago in any direction. The changes that come with a flight 4,000 miles across the world are an entirely different story. However, Alex has done a great job navigating it.
Alex spent a year in England, which helped him with the language transitions from Spanish to English, before making the leap to America.
How did your year in England shape your perspective on language and culture?
“I had to learn a new language (English) to be able to communicate with anybody. That helped me become more extroverted and made the move from Europe to the states much easier. The culture in England was similar to Spain, as European countries tend to be similar. The big culture change was from Europe to America,” Vilardell said.
One of the biggest changes Alex has noticed is the lack of recognition for the value of day-to-day independence in America.
“Spanish people really value time with their family and friends, not that Americans don’t, but family is a core part of every day in Spain,” Vilardell said.
One of the first things that people notice about Alex is his smooth, distinctive Spanish accent.
“Some students find my accent funny. I don’t mind when kids poke fun at it, I know it’s all in good spirits,” he said.
As Americans, there are a few things we worship: Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, deep-dish pizza, country music, Superbowl Sunday, and more. These are all new things to Alex, but there are some things he wishes he could have brought with him.
“The things I miss most from Spain are the gastronomy, weather, skiing, and the sea,” Alex said; There is no question as to why he misses these things.
Traditions are a big part of culture in both Europe and the U.S.. Spain’s number one tradition, according to Alex? Siestas.
“I still take a 30 minute nap sometime near the middle of the day. I can’t watch bullfighting, but at least I still have my siesta,” Vilardell said.
What was your biggest culture shock moving to the states?
“It was mainly small things like tipping. In Spain people rarely tip their waiters. Also things like dress. Spain tends to be more formal and people rarely wear joggers unless they are exercising,” he said. “Holidays also shocked me. In Spain we have many holidays, and everything is closed on sundays. People are lazy and rest a lot. In Spain, people tend to dedicate a lot of their time to passions and hobbies, family and friends. Less for work.”
In his short time so far at Lake Forest, Alex has really hit it off with everyone, befriending everyone he meets.
“Alex is a great, supportive teammate. Since day one, he’s been super outgoing and never had a problem fitting in. We all love him,” Varsity Soccer teammate Boden Rupprecht said.
Being an expat is not easy, especially in the first year or two. Alex’s infectiously charming personality has not gone unnoticed and the fingerprint he has left on Lake Forest is truly commendable.
