From September 27 to October 6, students from Maristes La Immaculada in Barcelona will visit Atlanta for an exchange student program. The program will offer many opportunities, primarily for language immersion.
Academic Dean Kim Premoli emphasized the importance of an exchange. “Nothing prepares a person more for the real world than immersing oneself and experiencing it” Premoli explained. “Cultural exchanges provide the best opportunity for students to experience another human condition in language and culture.”
The exchange experience enhances language skills but also proves to foster empathy and understanding.
The week will kick off with a welcome party and group dinner, setting the stage for a fun week. During their stay, exchange students will attend classes with their hosts, participate in a cooking class, and tour the campus. In addition, they will visit Atlanta attractions, including the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the Civil Rights Museum.
This year, students from Barcelona will take part in many school-wide events such as a pep rally, football game, and the homecoming dance.
Students are also eager to engage in activities like shopping, exploring , enjoying live music, and bonding with Marist students and their host families. Beyond sightseeing, this exchange allows students to immerse themselves in a new culture and make lasting connections.
Student from Maristes La Immaculada Ivet Cruces expressed her excitement about the exchange. “I hope to satisfy my curiosity about American culture and how life in the United States really is,” Cortés shared. Before her visit, Cortés wondered if movies like Mean Girls and High School Musical accurately portray teenage life in America.
As the students from Barcelona and Atlanta trade their cultures, they leave with memories that will last beyond the program. The exchange is not only about practicing a language but also about building bridges between cultures and expanding worldviews.