Foreign exchange students bring a world of perspectives and experiences with them, enriching the classrooms with information textbooks would never recognize.
Sunnyslope provides students with the opportunity to house a foreign exchange student.
This arrangement allows for the host family to enhance their knowledge while forming a lifelong bond.
At Sunnyslope there are three foreign exchange students, which is the maximum that Sunnyslope can host, according to Guidance Counselor Victoria Christensen.
U.S. schools’ structure often differs from those in other countries.
“Schools offer more flexible schedules, allowing students to choose electives and participate in many activities. Classes are often informal, encouraging students to express their opinions. In contrast, Czech schools have a more structured approach,” said Senior Alzbeta Koranova from Czech Republic.
Although traveling to a new country is exciting and opens the door to numerous opportunities, doing it alone can be difficult.
“I have definitely noticed that I have become more independent and self-aware. I’ve also learned to appreciate my own successes. I think it’s important for all exchange students to understand that leaving their home country to live with strangers in a different country is very admirable,” said Koranova.
In addition, being able to participate in an exchange program allows students to develop a true understanding of American culture with all assumptions aside.
“I have always loved to travel and learn about new cultures and different languages, and when I discovered that there was the possibility of traveling abroad with an exchange program, I did not hesitate to do it. I think it is one of the most beautiful experiences of my life,” said Senior Elisa Zaccolo from Italy.
Feeling welcomed by a host family enhances a foreign exchange student’s involvement and boosts their confidence to try new things.
“My host family has been so supportive from the moment I arrived in America. They made me part of the family, and I am grateful for that. They helped me with the language first, then they introduced me to so many new people and they also took me to so many new places and other cities so that I could gain experience. I love them so much, and it will be difficult to say goodbye to them when I have to leave,” said Zaccolo.
Exchange students enlighten their hosts about the differences of their home country.
“We try our best to make sure she feels at home and a big part of Italian culture is food. If you come over to our house, 99% of the time we’re going to be eating Italian dishes. She loves to cook and show us her culture that she loves,” said Zaccolo’s host, Junior Kiera Tinard.
A host family houses the exchange student during their stay in America.
A great number of foreign exchange students join the program and hope to move here permanently in order to pursue professional careers.
“I’m not entirely sure yet, but I would really like to settle here. It has always been my dream to live in America and most likely after university in Italy I will move here for work,” said Zaccolo.
On the other hand, many foreign exchange students come to America to explore new experiences in entertainment.
“I decided to do my exchange year to learn English, practice new skills like being more independent and discovering American high school and life. I wanted to live a year in another country because in France, school is not that fun as in America, so I wanted to try and discover American school,” said Senior Nina Le Mehaute from France.
Joining the exchange program can transform one’s life. It opens a door to a whole new world full of thrilling adventures and unique experiences.
“I lived so many things now in America that it’s really hard for me to choose one memorable moment. Everything that I experience here is amazing, so I can’t really decide one thing,” said Le Mehaute.
