Exchange students enjoyed Delano
Posted on: Jun 19, 2019
New friendships, abundant choices in classes and activities, school dances and more highlighted the year-long stay in Delano for eight foreign exchange students in 2018-19.
Two boys and six girls, all from Europe, made up this year’s group of visitors. What did they enjoy most about the Delano experience?
“Staying with a host family I really liked,” said Ariadna Vera Roumeas of Spain.
“I liked the sports,” said Jolien Uiker of Switzerland, adding that she played tennis, hockey and softball.
Sports were also a highlight for Leire Gervasio Caruezo of Spain, though she didn’t have much previous experience.
“I joined basketball,” she said. “Basketball I have never played before, but that has become one of my families here. The basketball team, they were so supportive and they taught me a lot because I started from zero.”
In general, students appreciated how comprehensive the school and activity experience was in Delano.
“This school has so many different sports and there are so many subjects for classes, so it’s possible to try a lot of new things,” said Karita Haugsbo of Norway. “In my country you have to be part of a club to play sports. You don’t get it from school.”
School life
In general, the exchange students were in agreement that academics were easier here than at home, primarily because of fewer classes and shorter school days. Delano’s block schedule allows students to focus on four classes at a time, but varies those classes over the course of the school year.
“Instead of four classes at once we do 12, and we have the same schedule for the whole year,” said Ramiro Rodriguez-Bermejo Pulido of Spain.
Another difference, according to Haugsbo, is that in Europe students generally stay in a single home room for most of the school day, aside from time in arts and physical education classes.
All of the students agreed that teachers in Delano were more actively involved with their students than teachers in Europe.
“Here the teachers are more personal and they help you more than back home,” said Caruezo. “They still have the respect of a teacher, but they really relate to you. Back home, they are just a teacher. They teach the class and that’s it. You don’t see them anymore.”
“Here they are more than a teacher, because they can also be your coach,” said Haugsbo.
Robin Mortier of Belgium noted that teenage life in America is far more centered on school and school events than at home, and the others agreed.
“We don’t have any school dances or any school sports,” said Uiker. “We don’t have school colors or mascots.”
“It sounds terrible,” said Caruezo with a laugh.
Differences
One thing students found unusual about a school day in Delano was eating lunch at school. Most described a break of roughly two hours during the middle of the day in Europe where students could go to restaurants or home for lunch, could spend time studying, or had time to do whatever they pleased.
Although school buses and the ability to drive at age 16 rather than 18 were new to the Europeans, they also looked forward to returning to their familiar methods of travel.
“I miss public transportation,” said Uiker.
“It gives you freedom,” agreed Caruezo. “If you need to go somewhere you just get on a train or a bus rather than having to find someone to drive you there.”
Climate was another noticeable difference for the students, and for Mortier the varied seasons were among of his favorite experiences.
“Winter is way bigger here. We have fewer differences,” he said.
In the end, students agreed that their year in Delano was primarily about experiences and relationships. What will they remember most?
“My host family,” said Haugsbo. “And the friendships that we’ve made.”
• Other than students quoted in this article, the exchange group included Lisa Fantin of Italy and Nastasia “Tess” Schiller of Germany.
Post Categories: High School