THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 28, 1996 TAG: 9604260169
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: CLOSE-UP
SOURCE: JANELLE LABOUVE
LENGTH: Medium: 81 lines
Transportation has been a bit of a challenge for Isabel Sobron Sanudo since she has been in the United States as a foreign exchange student.
``In Spain, we don't use cars,'' said Sanudo, who was 19 last week. ``We take a bus. Here I have to ask, `Can you give me a ride to the mall?' ''
Although commuting is a simple matter in Spain, school is much more difficult there.
``We don't have football, and we don't have clubs,'' she said. ``Here, students have more activities. We have more serious classes in Spain. Almost nobody gets all A's. When you finish, it's good. But while you're in school and having to study, it's hard.''
By attending a language school in addition to her regular classes, Sanudo has learned to speak German, French, English, Greek and Latin. In fact, last week she learned that she placed very high on a national Latin exam.
``I love language,'' she said. ``I am all the time with my dictionary in my hand or listening to tapes. Language is the only subject that I like.''
In the fall, she plans to attend the University of Salamanca to major in English, then become an English translator.
The Western Branch High School senior belongs to several clubs, including the Spanish and French clubs, Pals for Peers and the American Field Service which sponsors some students in the Foreign Exchange program.
In Spain, students really go out of the way to welcome foreign exchange students, but in the beginning that didn't happen for her. However, she has established a few friendships among Americans, including Nancy Dixon.
``Especially at the beginning of school, I expected them to be nice to me,'' said Sanudo, who considers herself friendly and outgoing. ``Some have not been very nice. I have been kind of sad for that.''
She especially enjoyed attending the American Field Service short-term exchange with a North Carolina high school, where she was introduced to square dancing.
In Spain, most students attend college.
``Almost no teenagers have jobs in Spain. It's hard to get a job there, so students need college,'' she said.
Sanudo has been staying in the home of Jan Seyler, a counselor at the school.
``Isabel has been an absolute delight,'' Seyler said. ``She is so excited about graduating from high school and wearing a cap and gown.''
She has bought her dress and is looking forward to attending the junior-senior prom.
Full name: Isabel Sobron Sanudo
Hometown: Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Fond childhood memories: ``Playing with my sister and fussing with her. I used to love that. I cannot be alone. She is just the opposite.''
Parents: Marcelino Sobron (a professor of ship construction at the University of Menendez PePayo in Santander) and Maria Sanudo (a boutique owner)
Siblings: Mar
Hobbies: ``Skiing, listening to music and spending a lot of time with my boyfriend.''
Last book read: ``I'm reading `My Name is Asher Lev' by Chaim Potok.''
What's your favorite game? ``Cards. They are different in Spain.''
Describe yourself as a color: ``Blue. Most of my clothes, earrings and everything are blue.''
If you could be any animal, what would it be? ``A dog. I love dogs. I have three at home, and I miss them so much.''
What irritates you the most? ``When I am talking and someone interrupts me. Teenagers do that and it makes me angry.''
Favorite food: Here, muffins and corn bread. In Spain, everything. I like salads.
Favorite movie: ``Dirty Dancing'' (translated into Spanish)
Can't resist: ``Ice cream. A Blizzard with M & Ms. We don't have them in Spain, and I'm going to miss that.''
Favorite TV program: ``I don't watch much TV. My ear is getting better for English, so sometimes I watch it.''
What would you choose for a last meal? Sweet potatoes. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MARK MITCHELL
by CNB