17-year-old Amelie Ducasse, an exchange student from the South of France, shares her experiences so far as she navigates through life in a new country.
There are many struggles when it comes to traveling to a new country, especially being a teen. Having to adjust to our time difference, the language barrier, going to a brand new school, a brand new cheer team, different foods, and so much more. The dedication she has to trying a new lifestyle and exploring unfamiliar things is incredible. Ducasse prepared for 5 years straight for this exchange year, taking every English class and every lesson she could get her hands on.
“I think the people here are a lot nicer than in France; a lot of people here love to compliment you, like ‘oh, I love your hair!’ People in France never do that,” Ducasse said.
It was shocking to hear that people in France aren’t as social as they are in the U.S.
Amelie lives with my family, and stays here from August to June. We were so excited to welcome her into our home!
“If there was a scale of being a host dad, 1-10, I would rate it a 10. It’s been a really good experience so far learning about her as she learns a lot about us as well; I would recommend it to anyone,” host father Harry Caruso said.
Hearing his experiences and perspectives on being a host parent has inspired so many other families to welcome an international student into their homes.
I have personally had an amazing experience so far this year. I think it is very beneficial to learn about different cultures and countries, and to add different perspectives on how people live and do in life. Having these perspectives on other lifestyles helps us gain empathy and understanding for others.
