Daniela Casamor

Andrea Yu

Daniela Casamor poses with her host Alexandra Coto ’27.

Daniela Casamor is from Rosales, Madrid, Spain. She is staying with Alexandra Coto ’27

The following interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. 

Is this your first time in the U.S.? 

No. I have been to New York twice, to Washington, D.C., and to New York City.

What’s your experience here in the U.S. been like?

I like it so much. I think Miami is really different from the other parts of the U.S. because here there are more people from other countries like Latin American countries so I feel like it is more welcoming.

How has it been being away from family?

It is good. I’m not really homesick. I’m not that kind of person. I feel like I’m really independent, so I don’t feel like I need to be with them all the time.

Why did you decide to do the exchange program?

Well, I feel like I had to take advantage of the privilege that we have, that is, having a lot of schools all over the world that have this Sacred Heart community, so I feel like we should take advantage of it and experience it.

What did you want to gain from this experience?

I guess I want to practice my English, I want to meet some new people, and I want to do something new. 

What do you think about Carrollton?

I love it. I love the campus. Me encanta. 

What is different between Carrollton and your school?

Well, first, my school in Spain is a co-ed school, so that’s a huge difference. Classes are shorter. Here they are 1 hour and 20 minutes–there they are 50 minutes long. That’s different.

What are some similarities between Carrollton and your school?

The community. It’s like the same feeling. It’s a Catholic school, so I guess it’s the same vibe in that way.

What has surprised you the most about this experience?

Well, of course, the lockdown. And I guess people here are different. I like it here. I think the school is really pretty. The campus is really pretty. 

What’s something that makes you feel like home while you’re away?

A lot of people here speak Spanish. I mean, I think I don’t have a problem with speaking English, but at the same time I feel welcomed because if I need to speak Spanish someone will reply to me in Spanish. I like that.

What have you loved about this experience?

I love the people. I love my host family, they’re super nice, and I love my exchange student–she’s super nice too. 

What have you learned?

I’m learning more English, of course. I’m learning more about how American schools work, how they teach, and how public school works here.

Any final thoughts?

I would for sure recommend doing an exchange, whether it’s Miami or another state in the U.S. It is a life-changing experience, and I feel like it is really important for personal growth and learning English .