9 nov.

Aquest curs alguns dels nostres alumnes fan el curs a l'estranger. En Taylor, auxiliar de conversa a la nostra escola, els anirà entrevistant.

Daniela Artamendi Escaler

Nestled in what originally was thought to be the finished product of America’s western frontier life, is a small town that is the epitome of rural countryside. Winifred, Montana: population 172 as of 2020. Yes, you read that right, the population of this town is way less than that of our school at Escola Pia Balmes. But for current exchange student and Escola Pia Balmes student Daniela Artamedi Escaler, this place is what she now calls home. Daniela is studying for the year in the United States in hopes of gaining a wealth of English language skills, while also diving deep into the culture that defines Montana and the American West.

Winifred claims to be “the most interesting little town in America” and is dubbed, “the gateway to the Missouri River Breaks and the home to a community of good neighbors.” This is where there are fields that run forever, animals that whistle brilliance, and mountains that stretch for miles. So how does a girl from Barcelona, one of the most fascinating cities in the world, go to Big Sky Country? Turns out it might just be the perfect fit.

Montana as a place to live

Daniela is very busy and is really starting to embrace the new American high school student lifestyle, “this is like the movies, I love it!” She doesn’t mind being in the presence of one of the most open and adventure-filled states in the U.S.A. “I like that I'm in the middle of the mountains and the nature here is beautiful".

Transition from Barcelona to Winifred, Montana

For Daniela, going from Spain all the way to the western United States has been a wonderful adventure, but not without challenges. “The initial transition was interesting for my school because I had to choose my subjects”. This was a freedom that was interesting to navigate because according to Daniela what’s offered in the United States is “different from most of the subjects I'm doing in Spain. It's awesome! Also changing classrooms every period is something that I’m not used to".

Daily Routine

Spain and the United States operate differently with their cultures, so it’s no surprise that Daniela’s daily schedule and routine have completely changed. Danila, however, has embraced it all as her “daily routine has changed a little bit. The biggest difference is that I shower in the night after my volleyball practice while in Spain I shower in the morings". Daniela plays for the Winifred High School volleyball team where they have practice everyday so she is fully invested in what the school has to offer. “Also the last thing I do before going to bed is homework while in Spain I do it just after finishing school.”

What’s New and What’s Different?

Studying abroad is all about trying something new and challenging yourself to make incredible cross-cultural connections. “I've tried a lot of different candy and food. The best thing about studying abroad is that you never get tired of anything because it is all new. Also how fast you learn English. My English is improving really fast.” As for the differences in Spanish vs. American life Daniela notices, “the biggest difference is the food, the different opinions and beliefs and that they use the car to go everywhere. When you live in the mountains, it’s the only option!” Daniela is giving life to what’s possible when we attempt to have a better understanding of the world. It’s amazing to see Daniela represent Escola Pia Balmes and our mission to think critically and act globally.

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