Throughout the years, North Kingstown High School has had an outstanding reputation with foreign exchange students, and this year is no different.  This year we have students from all over the world including:  Brazil, Mexico, France, Germany and Denmark.

For the program, students move from their home country to the United States and live with a host family.  Most of the host families have students that attend North Kingstown High School, making it easier for the exchange students to get in the routine of a typical NKHS day.  Some students find the schedule different like “having to move in-between classes because teachers move in Germany,” said Martin, a junior foreign exchange student from Germany.  On the other hand Martin enjoys how the school is in the shape of a “square.”

Typically the students stay for the full school year, from August to June, to learn and experience American culture.  This can include participating in sports that might not be popular in their country or joining activities and clubs.  Some students have already participated in sports like soccer and football.  Part of the American culture that is different would be the living situation.  Junior Hugo Marticoréna said “All the neighbors know each other here, they share a lot of things together, it’s a little bit like a close community, you can visit your neighbors when you want whereas in France its really different like we are not really friends with the other people”

Of course, while the students are here there are many sights Rhode Island has to offer.  The students explore New England and Rhode Island for all its sights including:  Block Island, New York City, and even the beach for the students who do not live near one.  To foreigners, the Providence Place Mall is even an interesting place to visit.

One teacher that works closely with the school’s foreign exchange students is Ms.  Baker, the German teacher. Although all the students are not all from Germany her knowledge of the European and world culture can provide helpful information for the students.  Baker said, “The exchangers I meet are all highly qualified to participate actively in their courses here at NKHS.  They seem to be enjoying the challenge of trying to “become American” during this one school year.”