Foreign Exchange Students Adapt

By: Aleks Stacy

Senior Anniek Buis, sophomore  Lola Hueso, and junior Frida Lohwasser are foreign exchange students at Culver Community High School. Being a foreign exchange student has its own set of unique experiences, but it can lead to lots of additional struggles. Like having trouble through academics and different sports.

Anniek Buis is originally from the Netherlands, a small country located in the northwestern part of Europe. Leaving her homeland from a country she’s lived in her whole life was a weird experience.

“I think I felt multiple feelings. I was obviously happy to start this adventure  and go to America to start a new chapter. Although, leaving my parents, family, and best friends behind was hard for me,” said Buis.

“When I stay here, I miss my family,” said sophomore Lola Hueso

Lola Hueso is originally from Spain, a moderately sized country in the south-western part of Europe.

Outside of leaving friends and family,  foreign exchange students also leave their routines and hobbies behind. For instance Anniek Buis left field hockey. Anniek has taken on other activities here to make sure she stays in shape, but the change caused adjustment.

“I’ve been playing field hockey for 12 years, and it’s a sport you play all year round,” stated Buis. “ So I’ve played field hockey for 12 full years. So my team was obviously my family. We were really close, and I’m going to miss the fun we had. Now I play volleyball and I’m going to play basketball. That’s how I stay in shape.”

However, the change was minimal for Lola. She has played both basketball and soccer in Spain and now, does the same in the United States.

On top of sports,cultural changes can be difficult. For instance, American food is not popular elsewhere and can leave foreign exchange students struggling.

“It is straight up disgusting. The food in the Netherlands is more fresh, and has more vegetables, not always in a package. Here it has more grease. Although when I go to a restaurant, I like it. But just not in general,” said Anniek Buis.

Through all the struggles and hardships, there are good things that come out of being a foreign exchange student. 

“I enjoy the new friends here, and the new things I’m learning. Everyday is something I haven’t done or tried before,” said Anniek Buis.