Most people don’t understand the kind of pressure a foreign exchange student could possibly be under.  There is the pressure of passing classes, living in a completely new culture, and representing your home country in a positive way.  Gloversville’s foreign exchange students Lynn, Roseline and Erica excel under this pressure and are even able to maintain higher GPAs that most of our “hometown” students.

Lynn from Switzerland came to America speaking excellent English.  She has made many friends from the soccer team, and says that Americans are very nice.  Lynn does not have a specific career in mind, although she might enjoy a career in psychology.  Like most Americans, she celebrate most of the American holidays.  She says she likes her temporary parents (Mr. and Mrs. Clemente – Kaitlin’s parents) and keeps in contact with her real family through phone calls and the Internet.  Lynn speaks at least four languages including English, Swiss-German, French, and Italian.

Erica, from Sweden, came to America speaking decent English.  Erica did not have much trouble meeting new friends here.  She does not believe that attending an American school will help her with her career choice – being a police officer.  Erica believes that GHS is easier than her old school, and really enjoys it here (she lives with Leah and Lindsay Komp).  Interestingly, Erica says that Americans are just like they are depicted in the movies.  Unlike Americans who speak only one language, Erica speaks three – Swedish, English and some German.

Roseline is a student who moved to America from France with her family.  She has made a few friends here, and like other teenagers, does not know what she would like to do in the future.  She says in France, they eat a lot of vegetables, and soccer is their national sport. Roseline lives with her family in Gloversville and believes that Americans are friendly and seem very proud. She speaks four languages, with German being the hardest to learn.

Most of us have a hard enough time in school – could you imagine what Lynn, Erica and Roseline struggle with on a daily basis?  We should admire them and look to them as role model.  And when you see them, give them a smile and welcome them to our school and our country.