Featured image (back row, from left): Paolo Mathieu, Filippo Magistrelli, Berta Martinez Velasco, Jacobo Cotino, and Lerdwat Ruangnui; (bottom row, from left): Ole Philipps and Eduardo Nadal.
International Education Week was Nov. 13 through Nov. 17. The Southside School District recently visited with each of the international students attending Southside Charter High School about their school experience and their thoughts on living in the United States.
Jacobo Cotino – Spain
Why did you want to come to the USA as an international high school student this school year?
Having an exchange year in the USA is an incredible experience because you have the opportunity to learn about a new country and culture, meet new people, and learn a language.
Probably the thing that I enjoy most about being here is the experience of being a part of a football team. The way that people live here. The sport is so good and is an experience that I will never forget.
What do you think will be your biggest memory or lesson from this experience?
My biggest memory will come from my host family and my friends because they help me to make this experience better, and people here are so friendly and helpful.
Filippo Magistrelli – Italy
Why did you want to come to the USA as an international high school student this school year?
Because I want to learn how to live far from home in a place that I don’t know anything about.
If you could take one person you’ve met here back home with you, who would it be and why?
Probably one of my American friends. They have shown me so much about the culture, and I would like to show them how my culture and people are different.
Berta Martinez Velasco – Spain
Why did you want to come to the USA as an international high school student this school year?
I wanted to come to America to live the experience of an American high schooler and school spirit and to learn how to be more independent and adapt to a new environment.
What do you enjoy most about being here?
I love the football games: getting ready, cheering…I also love the feeling of people being interested in your home country, the feeling of knowing that a random family has chosen you, and now you are a part of them. The feeling of every day doing something different…Basically a feeling that since I am here, it just feels different from Spain.
Paolo Mathieu – France
Why did you want to come to the USA as an international high school student this school year?
I wanted to come to America to be more open-minded, learn a new culture, and discover some local customs. I especially wanted to learn a new language which is a great advantage for my future life if I want to work at an international level
What do you think will be your biggest memory or lesson from this experience?
My biggest memory or lesson that I am learning through this experience is my friends. I know I will always remember the shared moments that we spent together.
Eduardo Nadal – Brazil
Why did you want to come to the USA as an international high school student this school year?
I wanted to learn about a new culture.
What do you think will be your biggest memory or lesson from this experience?
Memories of school and my host family!
Ole Philipps – Germany
Why did you want to come to the USA as an international high school student this school year?
I wanted to practice my English, and also I wanted to live a typical American life for one year. Also, I wanted to see if it’s like the movies make it seem.
What do you enjoy most about being here?
I enjoy the school spirit most. No matter what sport, everybody supports them. Also, I enjoy participating in sports.
Lerdwat Ruangnui – Thailand
Why did you want to come to the USA as an international high school student this school year?
To learn a new language and new culture.
If you could take one person you’ve met here back home with you, who would it be and why?
My host dad because he’s so funny.
International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences.
If anyone in our area would like more information about hosting an exchange student, please visit www.edutrav.org or email Amanda Sharp at amanda.sharp626@gmail.com.
Image: Southside School District
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather every weekday morning and afternoon from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5.
