By: Sofía Fernández
Malena and Lola Marks are two of the strongest voices in the Debate Club. The two sisters, originally from the United States, share their experiences, challenges, and insights as they navigate life on our campus.
Could you tell us about your life before coming to CIS University?
Malena: I am a third-year student from Los Angeles. Before CIS University, I was studying journalism at DePaul University in Chicago, and I just moved from the US to Madrid in July.
Lola: I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and my family is from Argentina. I moved to Madrid almost nine months ago with my parents and my sister. Before CIS University, I was in high school. I am a first-year student. I hope to continue my education here at CIS University for another year and take advantage of the “2+2” program (two first years at CIS University and the last two years at any other American university in the world).
Why did you decide to come here and why together?
Malena: The plan initially began with my parents wanting to come to Spain, and we felt that it was going to be a great opportunity and educational experience to come to Madrid. Lola and I coming together was essentially always the plan.
Lola: We mainly just collectively wanted to stay together, we didn’t want to be an entire ocean apart, we are a very close-knit family and love being together. We came mainly for the opportunities and felt that Spain resembled our culture from Argentina the most. We had been to Europe before moving here and were overall just in love with it.
How has the transition and adaptation to Spain been?
Malena: I felt that leaving the States would help me expand in my networking opportunities and, being bilingual, I felt secure in coming here even if it was out of my comfort zone. Chicago remains my favorite city, but knowing that my family was here motivated me.
Lola: Honestly, it was a combination of wanting a fresh start and the opportunity to be closer to my family. While I loved my time in Los Angeles and the idea of staying there for college, I felt like being in a completely different environment would push me to grow. Moving to Spain seemed like the perfect chance to experience something new while still having my family with me.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while moving from the U.S. to Spain?
Malena: Still, I think the biggest challenge is the culture shock that comes with being an expat. Moving to a completely different and unknown environment is definitely overwhelming.
Lola: I felt the biggest challenge was simply just leaving everything behind and starting new again. It felt so frustrating at first to have to begin again and find my place here, but it was surprisingly much easier than I had anticipated.
What has been the most rewarding part of studying and living in Spain so far?
Malena: The quality of life! I am so pleased with my surroundings and how safe Madrid is. I think the city has a lot to offer and I am happy to start my 20’s in such a lively city, I feel that there is always something to do.
Lola: Genuinely, my academic and social growth. I feel that I have finally really begun to put true effort towards my studies and have met people that I can really see being my friends for life. I also love the newfound independence I have here, I feel that I can rely on myself much more and have a different sense of comfort here, in a good way.
How does the academic environment at CIS University compare to your previous school in Chicago and L.A.?
Malena: The academic environment at CIS University is definitely different from what I was used to in Chicago. Here at CIS University, I find the smaller class sizes make a huge difference. The professors are more approachable, and the curriculum is much more interactive, with a stronger focus on discussions and practical application.
Lola: The academic environment at CIS University is definitely different from what I experienced in high school in Los Angeles. The smaller class sizes here allow for more one-on-one interaction with professors, which makes the learning experience feel much more personal.
What advice would you give to other international students considering studying abroad?
Malena: Trust the process, this has been such an amazing opportunity, and I view it as a privilege to be abroad!
Lola: I would tell them to take their time with the adjustment and trust the process; it’s not always easy at first.
Are there any particular courses, clubs or professors at CIS University that have made a significant impact on you?
Malena: Lola Colomina is a fabulous professor and her patience and well-spoken nature is something that made the course just exceptional. On top of that, I’m part of the Debate Club, which has really complemented my learning experience. I love how debate allows me to sharpen my critical thinking and communication skills. It has taught me how to construct arguments more effectively and has boosted my confidence in public speaking.
Lola: My professor Karyn Suárez, who I had for my communications course in the first semester of my freshman year. She was the first educator here I have felt a connection with, she made me truly believe in myself and made me feel validated how smart I am and the potential I have. Additionally, also being part of the debate team has added so much value to my life. It’s not only a fantastic way to improve my speaking and argumentation skills, but it also helps me stay sharp and learn how to think on my feet. Plus, it’s a great addition to my CV, as I work on building a well-rounded skill set for the future.
What are some of your favorite places or experiences in Madrid outside of school?
Malena: Quality of life here is amazing, I always feel that there is something to do!
Lola: One of my favorite aspects of living in this city is the people you meet anywhere you go, simply going to a coffee shop, everyone is incredibly friendly.
What are your future plans after completing your studies at CIS University? Do you plan to stay in Spain or return to the U.S.?
Malena: My dream for a while has been to move to London shortly after graduating from CIS University to do my Master’s programs in Public Relations. I am not opposed to staying in Spain, but I most definitely do not see myself going back to the States.
Lola: Truthfully, I really have no clue. I didn’t expect to like this city and CIS University as much as I did. I really underestimated the whole experience.