Layka Tulli
Staff Writer
@laykatulli
Starting high school in the U.S. can feel like stepping into a movie—crowded halls, lockers, and totally new routines. You get lost, try new foods, and join clubs. It’s not always easy being far from home, but you learn that no matter where you’re from, we all just want to fit in and have fun.
Texell, a foreign exchange student from Spain, said she adapted pretty fast to the culture but struggled with the languages at first, and although she didn't mind the food here, she still missed food from back home.
She said that Cumberland Valley is different from schools in Spain, and said, “ I’m loving it. Everyone was so welcoming and helpful. She would recommend the experience to others because, “It helps you grow and it is really fun. It is a unique experience that makes you mature and have a great time.”
Another foreign exchange student from Germany named Emmy Madloch, was familiar with America after her previous visits to Florida, California, and Minnesota. She has only been living in America for three weeks and said that she really enjoys it. “I like to try new food, even if I don’t like it, I’ll always try it. I like to improve my English and I am hoping that I will get better at it.”
Emmy recognizes certain perks Cumberland Valley offers compared to schools in Germany.
“In Germany, we get just our schedule and can’t decide which classes we get. Also, we don’t have special classes like ceramics, History of cinema, etc. We have the basic ones like physics or history.”
Emmy has so far loved her experience living in America and loves her host family. Would she recommend being a foreign exchange student?
“YES! It is so cool.”