Many students from all over the world travel to America for an exchange year. Whether they are from Tokyo, Japan, or London, England, they all wish to have the American high school experience.
Nora Atienza, an exchange student from Barcelona, came to WB for her exchange program this year and she has a lot that she’s gone through and experienced since then.
Atienza explained, “I’m from Barcelona in Spain and heard about the exchange program, EF, through my friends. They had done it the year before and said it was super fun so I wanted to do it too!”
Nora had a super fun time in Michigan this year but was not able to just choose the state she would be in.
“Our placements are random. Your host family chooses you, you don’t choose them so I just happened to be put in Michigan.” She added, “But, I’m happy I ended up here and wouldn’t change it for anything.”
EF, the program Nora came here with allows for all different kids aged 13-18 to live for certain times in new countries. Through EF she has had many new adventures by coming to the U.S.
“I really have liked my time in America so far. I’ve made new friends and had so many new experiences. The best moments for me have been Homecoming, joining the tennis team, and going to Florida for Spring Break.”
Besides the physical activities Nora went through when coming to the U.S, she also experienced changes in her personal self.
“I feel much more mature than I was before coming to the U.S! I’ve learned more English, how to be independent, and I have grown up a lot mentally. Going to another country for a year when you are just 14 years old and don’t know anyone, makes you mature a lot. You have to create a new life from zero.”
Sadly, as the school year comes to an end, Nora will have to go back to Spain and will have to get used to high school life there again. She’ll have to acclimate to a big change in environment. Even though she will miss the U.S, there are many exciting things upcoming when she gets back.
“Once I go home I’m going to enjoy my summer, travel with my family, go to a concert, and spend good time with my friends! When the new school year starts, I’m going to do junior year at the same school I’ve been at since I was little.”
She adds, “Junior and Senior year back in Spain are the years that are a little harder than the rest so I’m a little bit scared that it might be difficult for me. But hopefully everything goes well. All in all, I’m really gonna miss the US!”
