Foreign exchange students sacrifice a lot to spend a year learning in America.  Some simple things at Southwest are actually what make our foreign exchange students’ experiences so memorable.

Magdalena Pikala, senior from Poland, and Elisa Marcheschi, senior from France, both agree that the biggest difference between their schools in Europe and BVSW is definitely the school spirit.

“You don’t really have activities with your school in France,” Marcheschi said.  “There are no school mascots, sport teams, or dances; school is really just for studying.”

Both Marcheschi and Pikala said they have loved being a Timberwolf and feel like everyone has been very friendly and welcoming throughout this school year.

“I was really amazed at how everyone is so nice,” Pikala said. “I will really miss the spirit of Southwest and the cheering of everyone at all the games.”

According to the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) , the program that Marcheschi and Pikala are both traveling with, the USA high school program gives students the opportunity to further their English language skills and get a better understanding of American culture.  Also, they are able to share their native culture with the others students at the school they attend in the US.

“I think my favorite class is acting,” Pikala said.  “I really like to express myself by acting and I think it really helped me improve my English.  And I really like Anatomy and Physiology because every time I am in this class I learn so many new things.”

Marcheschi has also been enjoying her classes at school and experiencing new classroom environments.

“My favorite classes at BVSW are all the art classes I have taken because we don’t have any like them in France,” Senior Marcheschi said.  “I have also really enjoyed taking peer tutoring because it is a great experience and very fun.”

Although spending time away from family is really tough, for some foreign exchange students, one year of learning in America isn’t enough.  Pikala has been working hard and taking tests in order for her to gain acceptance to an American college.

According to International Student, the USA has the largest international student population in the world.  Over 800,000 students choose to expand their education in the United States; almost 4 percent of students in higher-level education are international students.