This year, Lewis Cass High School in Walton, Indiana, is home to eight foreign exchange students eager to experience American culture — and share their own, writes Bianca Panmei in the school’s student newspaper.
The group includes four students from Spain, two from Germany, one from Latvia, and one from the Czech Republic. From football games to fast food, they’re embracing new experiences while adjusting to different school routines. Spanish students noted that in their home country, teachers move between classrooms while students stay put, and schedules resemble college timetables more than US high school days.
Some exchanges have been cultural … and culinary. One German student named sauerkraut as the dish he’d most like Americans to try, while another was struck by how often fast food is part of daily life. The Latvian student said his first impression of the US was that “everything was big” (cars, buildings, and portions), though he’s less fond of heavily processed foods. Several students are also trying school sports for the first time, from cross-country running to basketball, and looking forward to hallmark American events like prom.
Differences go beyond the classroom. Karolina, from the Czech Republic, observed the lack of public transportation compared to her home country, where weekends often involve work, studying, and hip-hop dancing. Whether exploring US school spirit, navigating cultural surprises, or introducing their classmates to traditions from home, all eight students say they’re excited to spend the year as part of the Lewis Cass community.