For some teenagers, traveling to another continent without parents might sound like a dream come true. To others, it may sound

scary and intimidating. For Carina Lagunas, a sophomore at LFHS, it was an opportunity to grow, challenge herself and experience the world in ways that many young people never get the chance to. Just a day after her 15th birthday, Lagunas

departed for a three week trip to Spain and Portugal– a journey that would not only change her perspective on the world, but would also teach her many valuable life skills. 

Lagunas’s trip began in Portugal where she enjoyed the rich culture and beauty of Lisbon, Sintra and

Cascais. From there, she traveled to Spain where she participated in a two-week program for international teenagers to learn about Spanish culture and language. Lagunas stayed with a host family in Benalmádena, a small beach town on the southern coast. During her stay, Lagunas had the opportunity to visit several other cities in the south of Spain including Málaga, Sevilla, Granada and Ronda.

“When I was introduced to the idea, I didn’t think studying abroad was possible for someone my age,” said Lagunas. “I’ve always been fascinated by traveling and Spanish culture so I instantly knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity because not everyone is fortunate enough to have a chance like that.”

One of the most significant benefits of traveling alone at such a young age is the independence and confidence that one is able to gain. Navigating unfamiliar cities, communicating in her second language and managing her daily schedule helped to push Lagunas out of her comfort zone.

“In the beginning, I wasn’t sure how I would manage everything– finding my way around, keeping track of time, and figuring out where to go– but by the end of the trip I felt so much more confident in handling situations on my own,” said Lagunas. 

Another important takeaway from Lagunas’ trip was the cultural awareness she gained from living with a host family. Staying with a local family allowed her to experience the Spanish lifestyle on the daily, and it allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of the language. Her time with the family was spent participating in authentic experiences from learning how to cook traditional Spanish dishes, such as paella, to attending vibrant local festivals.

“Living with my host family was one of the most special parts of the trip,” said Lagunas. “They were so welcoming and I got to see firsthand how people in Spain really live. I not only learned some of their language, but I was immersed in their values, traditions, and way of life.”

For Lagunas, traveling as a teenager exposed her to different viewpoints, cultures and lifestyles that permanently altered her perspective on the world. Although Lagunas had studied Spanish in school, nothing could compare to the experience of speaking it every day with native speakers. Being surrounded by the language in real life situations allowed her to quickly pick up new vocabulary and become more confident in her speaking skills.

“When I first arrived, I was scared to speak Spanish because I was worried I would mess up. But, my host family was really patient with me and they never made me feel embarrassed. I could quickly see my improvement and how much more comfortable I felt speaking,” said Lagunas.

The ability to communicate effectively in a foreign language, along with learning how to problem-solve, are skills that will benefit Lagunas for years to come. Whether she is navigating a new city or dealing with unexpected travel challenges, the ability to adapt will be a crucial skill for the rest of her life. 

In addition to learning the language, Lagunas also immersed herself in Spanish culture in fun and exciting ways; she went swimming with dolphins, learned how to flamenco dance, visited ancient ruins, cooked native dishes and explored the vibrant streets of Spain. Along with these activities, she also had daily classroom experiences. She took three hours of lessons each day– two hours studying the Spanish language and one hour of cultural studies. 

Lagunas also happened to be in Spain when the European Championship was happening, a very important and cherished part of Spanish culture. She celebrated the team’s victories with local people and Spain ended up winning the competition shortly after she arrived back in the United States. 

“The atmosphere during the Euros was incredible,” said Lagunas. “The streets were lit up and filled with excitement. Celebrating with my host family and my friends, it was so cool to see how proud and passionate the Spanish people were about their team. The whole thing really brought the community together.” 

During her trip, Lagunas also made so many new friends from every corner of the world, gaining insight on the diverse and different lifestyles that they all had in their home countries, all while making unforgettable memories with them along the way.

“I met people from all over the world: Sweden, Ireland, Singapore, Italy, France, and so many other places. It was so interesting to hear about their cultures and ways of life. Meeting all these people really opened my eyes to how varied everyone’s lifestyles are in different places,” said Lagunas. 

Lagunas’s experience serves as a reminder that teenagers are capable of more than they might think. Traveling alone may seem scary at first but it provides invaluable opportunities for growth. With the right preparation, support and mindset, teenagers can travel meaningfully, helping them become more independent, confident and culturally aware.

“I think studying abroad is one of the best experiences you can have as a teenager. You come back so much more confident, independent, and aware of the world around you. It teaches you lessons that you can only learn in situations like this. You also just have so much fun and meet amazing new people,” said Lagunas. “I’ll cherish the memories that I made on this trip forever and I’m so thankful and lucky to have been able to experience something like this.”

This trip gave Lagunas the chance to step outside her comfort zone and experience the world in a new way. It proves that traveling alone at a young age builds confidence, independence and problem solving skills. By navigating new places and embracing new challenges, Lagunas gained a deeper understanding of herself and the world around her, showing that experiences like this can shape young people in lasting and meaningful ways.