School is now up and running all around the world again, and while most of us are familiar with each other, some come as new faces. Three students from around the world have made their way to Liberty for the 2025-26 school year.
Lucia Cabezas Padron (12) from Spain, has traveled to Missouri for her last year of high school. Padron said that it’s very different at Liberty compared to her previous high school. “Everything’s different, lunch, the people, and the school is so big,” Padron said. Although it’s a lot different and taking some getting used to, Padron said she has loved these first few weeks.
“It’s amazing, like it’s a dream.” Padron, having only been here for a couple weeks, has already found fast food places she loves. “I’ve gone to Chick-fil-A, Raising Canes, and Papa John’s. But Chick-fil-A is my favorite.” Pedron remarked. With that, Pedron said she would recommend being a foreign exchange student to people.
Yago Gomez Taraud (11) from Spain made his way to Missouri for his third year of high school. Gomez said school is different here at Liberty. He too said, “It’s a lot bigger and there’s more people.” Taraud also explained how he likes that Liberty has more opportunities. “There’s more classes and sports,” Taraud said. Taraud described how the prices and food are different here in Missouri compared to Spain.
“In Spain, we don’t have taxes like you guys, and McDonald’s menu is bigger in Spain.” Taraud said that the language barrier can become difficult at times and takes a bit to get used to. In the end, Taraud said he would recommend being a foreign exchange student to people.
Codou Dieye (12) from Senegal in West Africa has landed in Missouri for her final year of high school. Dieye explained how it’s taking time to adjust to the schedule we have here at Liberty. “Back in Africa, we all stayed in one classroom and the teachers would come to us,” Dieye said.
Dieye illustrated how at her previous school, they would start at 8-9 a.m., leave at 12 p.m. and go back from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dieye too said the language barrier can be struggling at times, but enjoys being here at Liberty. In the long run, Dieye said she would recommend being a foreign exchange student.
