Imagine waking up one morning, getting ready, going to school and realizing everyone around you is speaking a foreign language.

This is the case for three current foreign exchange students from three different countries who each arrived at VHS through a different program.

“I enjoy living in the United States because I have more freedom here and I enjoy it a lot” said senior Alejandro Diaz-Perez from Venezuela. Alejandro came to the United States in the summer through the program Students of the World. At first he was not sure what to expect coming into a new school but has made connections with many students and teachers, mostly Senor Carillo. Alejandro noticed that the people here are much taller and everyone is a lot closer and have more liberty than what he is used to.

Senior Zita Maas from Holland is enjoying the United States very much and “feels so welcomed”. Zita came here in the summer through the AYUSA program and noticed that many things are different here than in Holland, including the size of people, buildings, food dishes and land. Zita noticed that the people have good attitudes here and are much more friendly than she ever expected. Zita admits that she is a little homesick but still calls her family every Sunday. Each day gets easier and she becomes happier.

“People are more united here, many kids go to football games and we would never do that where I live” said junior Luiza Lopes from Brazil. Luiza came to the United States in August through the AFS program and is living with junior Olivia Marino and her family. Luiza is not homesick but still keeps in touch with her family and friends from back home.

“It’s a great program because I learn about her culture while she learns about ours” said Olivia Marino. Having a foreign exchange student living in your house may be difficult for some people but Olivia thinks that it’s good because it shows a different side of her family and they have become closer.

All three exchange students agree that the thing that is most different here is our school. Back in their home towns they stay in the same classroom for every class and do not have the freedom of choosing their own electives.

To be living in another country without your family has its difficulties but these three students see it as living their dreams.