Southwest’s exchange students have invaded the school with their Euro-chic sense of fashion and exotic accents. Here is how Fenja Ahrens (Germany), Stepan Naumov (Ukraine), and Marion Cadral (France) responded when asked questions about their old lives in Europe and their new lives in the U.S.A.

1.)  What’s the biggest difference between school in America and school ibn your home country?

Stepan: There are a variety of sports here, while in the Ukraine, we only have P.E. There is no high school spirit in Ukraine and high school is only viewed as a ‘place to get some knowledge’. I don’t feel like a part of my school [in Ukraine].

Marion: We have two hours for lunch, while at Southwest we have less than 25 minutes.

2.)  Why did you want to go the U.S.A. for your exchange year as opposed to some other country? In other words, why America?

Fenja: I like the language, and I wanted to speak very good English. I had never had the chance to come to the U.S.A. I had watched American movies like “High School Musical” and thought “is it really like this?”

Marion: Because it’s the American dream.

3.)  Tell us about stereotypes that you had about Americans before you came here. Is there any truth in these stereotypes?

Stepan: People say that Americans are fat and stupid, but I didn’t believe that, [being here has] proved that to be wrong. Americans do a lot of sports in high school. But it is true that no one walks; everyone rides in cars, you can’t go anywhere without a car! Americans are progressive, and change the world with their creativity.

4.) If there was one thing that you would want your home country to replicate what would it be? If there were one thing you would want America to replicate about your home country what would it be?

Stepan: I would love the chance to drive at 16 in Ukraine. Europeans are more urbanized than Americans, but living close to nature in the U.S.A. is very nice.

Marion: I would like to bring the beach to Kansas.

5.)  How much experience with the English language did you have before coming here?

Stepan: I have had nine years, but I have used a lot of Internet English and have read facts about English. I also went to Britain for a month for school. I’d say I can understand most everything that people say here.

Marion: Four years, but I’ve never had a good class or teachers. We didn’t speak a lot in class.

6.) What is one thing that annoys you about Americans (you can be honest)?

Stepan: I like Americans, they are very friendly, but sometimes they’re hypocrites. They always smile, but don’t say what they’re actually thinking; they are a little two-faced.

Fenja: Like Stepan said, they’re always friendly, but you don’t know if it’s genuine. Americans are very outgoing while Germans aren’t that outgoing. Underline that … twice.

7.)  Do you find America to be “just like it is in the movies”?

Stepan: There are no explosions in the streets or helicopters.

Fenja: They’re not singing all the time like in “High School Musical.” I am disappointed there are no vampires!

Marion: It’s better than the movies.

8.)  What have been some stupid questions that you have gotten about yourself or your home countries?

Stepan: “Is Ukraine a part of Russia?”

Fenja: “Is Hitler still alive?”

Marion: “Do you speak French?”

9.)  How did you react when you found out that you were coming to Kansas? Did you want to go to another state originally?

Stepan: I wanted to go to California. But I am really happy with my family.

Fenja: I actually wanted to go to Texas to experience country music and cowboys. It would have been so different. But I’m very happy in Kansas.

Marion: I am happy to be in Kansas.

10.)  Do you plan to do a lot of traveling while you are here?

Stepan: Yes, America is rich in different places. I want to visit many different places.

Fenja: I want to visit Tennessee, because of Elvis. I want to go and see where he slept and dreamt of me.

Marion: Yes, I want to visit Vegas. I also want to visit Kansas City.