Isabel Civera is an exchange student from Rosales, School of the Sacred Heart in Madrid, Spain. She will be staying with her host, Brigitte de Cardenas ‘27, for 3 weeks. Civera is excited to learn more about Miami and its culture and to get to know Carrollton’s community.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
Is this your first time in the U.S.?
Yes, it is.
Is this your first time going abroad without family or your parents?
No, I went on an exchange in October to France.
Why did you decide to do the exchange program?
Because I wanted to improve my English and have a new experience.
What do you want to gain from this experience?
More friends, improving my English, having a new experience, and doing something differently
What do you think about Carrollton?
It’s a great school, and I think it’s very big, and it’s beautiful. I like the buildings.
What’s different between Carrollton and your school?
Here people move for different classes, but in our school the teachers move and we have an assigned class. Also the buildings–we only have one building and one playground. It’s smaller.
What’re some similarities between Carrollton and your school?
That they’re religious. And we have the same classes.
What do you think about Miami?
It’s beautiful, and it has such great weather.
What’s your favorite thing about Miami?
Miami Beach
What are the differences between Madrid and Miami?
Miami has more houses, while Madrid has more buildings with apartments. It is more rural here, and there is more to visit.
What did you expect when coming to Carrollton?
To have a great time.
What has surprised you the most?
How many people speak Spanish here–it’s incredible.
What has been the hardest part of this experience?
Being this far away from my family. And the time change– it’s horrible.
What do you miss most about home?
My family and my friends
What’s something that makes you feel like home while you’re away?
The family hosting me is very inclusive. The people are very good and welcoming.
What have you loved about this experience?
Getting to know new people and visiting new places.
What have you learned?
Lots of different words in English and about different cultures
Any final thoughts?
I’m very grateful to be here.
Dr. Christophe Lagier • Feb 16, 2024 at 12:57 pm
Exchange programs are great! I went to England ( from France for two weeks when I was 12 and it changed my life!