This year, Arkport welcomed two foreign exchange students, Fred from Berlin, Germany, and Diego from Rome, Italy. Arriving in August and staying through January, they quickly became part of the community, making friends and embracing new traditions.
Their host family, the Snowdens, adored them, with Susan Snowden often praising their kindness, intelligence, and humor.
Fred fondly recalled Spirit Weeks, where students dressed up according to different themes each day. "It was especially fun because so many people participated," he shared.
He found U.S. schools more personal, with friendlier teacher-student relationships. "In Germany, teachers are stricter, and you don’t talk to them about daily life. Here, it feels like you can connect with them on a different level," he said.
For Diego, participating in school sports and attending various events with his friends were highlights of his experience. "I loved going to concerts, an NBA game, and visiting Washington, D.C.," he said.
Like Fred, he also noticed differences in the academic system.
"School here is much easier because you have a better relationship with teachers. The whole system—from the subjects you choose to how a school day works—is very different. I enjoyed learning and experiencing all of it,” he said.
Beyond academics, Diego cherished the big celebrations with his host family and friends, like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
"The best part of my first American Thanksgiving was the big dinner with a huge family. It was such a wonderful experience," said Diego.
Though both found American food lacking compared to their home countries, they cherished their time in the U.S., valuing the friendships and cultural exchange. As they return home, Fred and Diego leave the district with unforgettable memories, and have become a beloved part of the Arkport community.