As you walk the halls of high school you pass by many people, all who have their very own story in life. Their own cultures, dreams and lives. Some students are from a whole other country,with different practices and this is all new to them. In fact, junior Lena Schwarz, senior Anna Aubert, and sophomore Marlene Knieling are a few foreign exchange students trying to adjust. These three girls are from France, Paris, and Germany respectively. But why would they want to come here to America? Are they enjoying it? Maybe they are disappointed or surprised.

First, we have Knieling from Germany, who came here to practice the language and meet new people. America is very different from her home, such as the rules, stores, food, and more. However the places here are large compared to Germany. Even the supermarket is big compared to theirs.

“I wanted to do an exchange here because I wanted to make new friends and have a new life outside of Germany, and to learn English,” Knieling said. “The people are just a lot friendlier and open [than in Germany]. You just randomly go up to a stranger and ask how they are. [My favorite thing about America would probably be] the people and my family [that’s here]”

“I really like [America]. I do a lot of stuff with friends and try everything out…we go shopping, go to the football games, and play tennis.”

Also new to the US is Aubert from Paris. Her decision to come to America was based on her love for this country. She has heard about life in America and loved the sound of it, especially American high schools. One thing that she misses about France is their food.

“No [I’ve never been here before]. [I came] because I love this country,” Aubert said. “My first thought of America would be how all of the American people eat fast food, [but] the classes are more fun here.”

Then there is Schwarz from Germany who came to America with an open mind and ready to make new memories. Just like the other two girls, she finds America completely different.

 “People are more open. They will go up to a stranger and, even though it isn’t deep, they ask how you are. It is very nice,” Schwarz said. “[I came to the U.S] to have a second home on the other side of the world and to improve my English and experience an American High School life.”

 “I would say [that my favorite thing about this place] is the Friday football nights, my family, and friends. [Something I miss is] My German sparkling water and the things you can do when you are sixteen.”