L’Helena i la Tess, dues noies de 17 anys procedents de la República txeca, han vingut a Sitges aquest passat mes de febrer per viure una experiència Erasmus de tres setmanes al nostre institut. Amb ganes de millorar el seu espanyol i descobrir la cultura local, s’han enfrontat a nous reptes i vivències que han marcat el seu viatge. A Periodisme les hem entrevistat perquè ens expliquessin com han viscut aquesta immersió cultural, les seves primeres impressions i les diferències més sorprenents entre els dos països.

 

• Where do you come from?

We are from the Czech Republic.

 

• Why did you decide to go on Erasmus?

We both wanted to practice our Spanish and see the ocean since we don’t have it in our country.

 

• Was it difficult to get the opportunity to go on Erasmus? 

Our Spanish teacher offered us this opportunity, so it wasn’t too difficult.

 

• What are your expectations of Spain?

When someone mentions Spain, we picture the beach, parties, food, and the people.

 

• Are you having a hard time adjusting to your host family?

There are differences, like I don’t have pets, and here I have to live with two cats because of my host family -says Helena.

I don’t have that little difference. The first few days were a bit strange and difficult since I was separated from my life in the Czech Republic and was nervous, but I finally feel comfortable with my host family -adds Tess.

 

• What is the biggest difference you have noticed between education in the Czech Republic and in Spain?

We find the biggest difference in how you address your teachers. Here you call them by their first name, which we don’t do in the Czech Republic. We call them “Miss” or “Mr.” and their last name.

 

• What do you like most about your experience so far? 

We like walking on the beach, watching the sunsets, nature, and trying Spanish food.

 

• And what least?

We are struggling to understand Catalan -says Helena.

I don’t like seafood much, which is typical here. I am having trouble trying to speak Spanish -says Tess.

 

• Is there any Spanish custom or tradition that has attracted your special attention?

We heard about the festivals, especially Carnaval, before coming, so we are excited about them.

 

• If you could bring one thing from the Czech culture to Spain and one thing from Spain to the Czech Republic, what would they be?

We would bring to the Czech Republic the way you approach people, and we would bring to Spain some things from school, like allowing mobile phones in class, as they do in our country.”

 

• How do you think this experience will change you personally or academically?

We hope to improve our Spanish and be more open with people. We also realized the value of our friendships and families.

 

Thank you very much for sharing your experience! It has been very interesting to know your point of view, and we hope you enjoy your stay here to the fullest.

L’experiència de l’Helena i la Tess a Sitges els ha permès descobrir una nova cultura, millorar el seu espanyol i enfrontar-se a nous reptes. Tot i algunes dificultats d’adaptació, valoren molt positivament aquesta oportunitat i s’enduen records inoblidables i aprenentatges que els serviran en el futur.

Text: Ainoa Álvarez i Aroa Barceló