Every week at Lexis we welcome students from all over the world, each bringing their own ambitions and stories. Today we’re excited to share Ignacio and Maria’s journey at Lexis Sydney Manly.

This adventurous couple from Spain made the decision to move to Sydney and begin studying at our campus in October. Since then they’ve fully embraced life in Australia — building meaningful friendships, taking part in social activities, and exploring everything Sydney has to offer.

During their holiday break, they took advantage of Sydney’s proximity to Southeast Asia, travelling to the Philippines and Thailand for even more incredible experiences. Being based in Sydney has given them the perfect opportunity not only to discover Australia, but also to explore beyond.

Why Sydney, why Lexis Manly?

Ignacio (24) and Maria (22) are from Madrid. They chose Sydney Manly to improve their English in a relaxed, beachfront setting that’s close to the city but free of its noise.

We decided to study English at Lexis because of its awesome location in Manly. We were looking for a quieter place, especially somewhere close to nature, but still close to the city.

Ignacio & Maria

Travelling together

For Ignacio and Maria, studying abroad together wasn’t just about English — it was about taking on a new chapter of life as a couple.

When we decided to come, we had been together for three years. We had both just finished university, and we really wanted to share a unique experience together — somewhere new, far from home.

Ignacio & Maria

Living the Manly lifestyle

Manly has shaped their daily rhythm: a relaxed beach culture with clear differences from Madrid’s city pace. Ignacio surfs every morning before class; Maria walks the coastal path along the Pacific.

What Nacho loves most about Manly is surfing. As soon as he arrived he started learning, and since then he spends time every morning before class on the water.

Ignacio & Maria

Favourite memories

From spontaneous road trips to camping nights, life with new Lexis friends has been the source of their best Sydney memories.

One of our favourite memories is a spontaneous trip we took to Jervis Bay with eight friends we met here at Lexis. We went camping, saw kangaroos, swam in the bluest water — it was just perfect.

Ignacio & Maria

How English changed in seven months

Improvement in English is one outcome — but Ignacio and Maria say the more meaningful change is in confidence and in the international friendships they’ve built.

We’ve met so many people from different nationalities here, and that’s largely thanks to Lexis. New students arrive every week, so there are always new friends to make.

Ignacio & Maria

Their advice to other couples

Their take to anyone considering studying abroad as a pair — from people who’ve just lived it.

We’d say don’t be afraid. It’s an incredible experience where you learn so much about yourself and your surroundings. If you come with your partner, you’ll grow together too.

Ignacio & Maria

What’s next

They finish in June. Before flying home to Spain, they plan to explore more of Australia and travel on to Indonesia.

Before going home to Spain, we’d like to explore more of Australia and then travel to Indonesia. Once we’re back in Spain, we plan to continue using the English we’ve learned here.

Ignacio & Maria

Ignacio and Maria’s time at Lexis may be coming to an end soon, but their journey is just beginning. We can’t wait to see all the places they take their English next.