Reflecting on the impact of foreign exchange students

For the six foreign exchange students that attended LRHS, their trip to America has come to a close. However, the impact that their time here made on themselves and those around them remain.

After returning to Spain, Miguel Saez explained, “I’m not the same person now. Spending a year in America changed me in every sense a person can change.”

Outlining how she changed, Elaine Chiu said, “Over the whole year, I think I became more confident, outgoing, and responsible.”

“I’m so happy that I got the chance to be an exchange student in America,” Chiu continued. “It’s a really big life change, had a lot of challenges, but was totally worth it!”

Similarly, Pius Prosinecki explained, “I think I changed a lot as a person. I think I got more open, accepted more opinions, and found more friends on my own.”

Prosinecki has everything but regret for his decision to live and study abroad: “It’s been such a great year and I’m so glad I did it. It’s something no one can take away and it’s an experience which will help me in my life.”

“I’m glad I came,” began Samuele Bortolato, “because this experience gave me an opportunity of seeing the world from another point of view.”

“And,” Bortolato added, “I got to know some wonderful people.”

While the exchange students undoubtedly underwent changes within their own personality, their presence also impacted the natives, including friends and host families, around them.

Haley Kulm reflected, “I think they’ve affected me as a person because they always radiate happiness and make me a happier person overall.”

She added, “They always have me laughing and I’m glad I got to spend time with them this year.”

Host sister to Mathidle Knuderson, Emily Kinney explained, “It changed my view on the world because I was able to experience more than one culture.”

“I think it gave me a wider outlook,” said Sierra Kiel. “It’s not just little Ritzville; there are more cool traditions and languages to discover.”

Host brother to Saez, Camden Smith experienced growth alongside him: “I think this year’s foreigners helped me be myself,” he explained, adding, “If they can hop on a plane and come to America with the little hesitation, then I can be myself around people I’ve known for most of my life.”

All those involved are thankful for the opportunity to know each other. Kulm said, “Comparing their lifestyles to ours taught me a lot and I’m really grateful that I got to know them and their ways of living.”

“It made me realize all the opportunities that we have in America that a lot of people take advantage of,” believed Smith.

After it all, the foreigners were ready to conclude this chapter of their lives.

Bortolato said, “I got so used to living here, in a quiet town where everybody knows everybody, that it’s a bit hard going back now.”

“But,” he added, “it’s time for me to wake up from this long dream.”

The return home is bittersweet for Chiu: “I was excited to see my family and the food in Taiwan, but after I came [home], I really miss the life in America.”

Still, the transition back to their normal lives will be impacted by their experiences here. “I think I’m ready to go home now and use all of the tools I’ve learned here,” explained Prosinecki.

The mutual impacts and strong friendships made over the course of the year have led the exchange students to say “see you later” instead of “goodbye”.

“Obviously I missed my family and friends , but I’ve made good relationships that will last,” said Saez.

He finished, “I was very sad to leave, even though I know I’ll be back soon.”