Flower Mound has been one of many schools chosen to take part in the foreign exchange student program. As the students involved in the program go through the transition, they may face many struggles but can also have exciting times

These students are here for the school year and they reside with an American family. They come to the United States from various exchange programs including Rotary Club, YFU (Youth For Understanding) and Amicus.

Here in Texas, much is different for these exchange students.

“It’s really hot,” junior Veronika Jurickova from Czech Republic said. “And the school is very different than Czech Republic. In my country we have the same schedule all year and all the days of the week are different.”

The school is allowed up to 11 foreign exchange students every year and each student has different opinions about high school in America.

“I think this school is one of the most difficult schools in America but it’s still kind of easy for me,” junior Linda Helm from Austria said. “In my country, school standards are higher.”

Every exchange student is a junior, and as a requirement must take U.S. History and English III, like all juniors. These classes give students the opportunity to learn American History and improve themselves in English culture.

Cultures differ from nation to nation, so there are many things foreign people like and dislike about this school.

“The school is too big and not really open to new people I feel,” junior Pitchaorn Prasit from Thailand said. “I wasn’t allowed to be on the basketball team just because I’m new”

For all of these students, the school system is very different for the education system, but some prefer the American school.

“It’s much easier and we only have four classes,” Veronika said.

However, being far away with foreign people, facing new environments, and using another language can cause culture shock.

“I miss using Thai language and my friends a lot,” Pitchaorn said. “The hardest thing for me is the language and culture. There’s no one kissing in the hallway in my country like they do here.”

Facing problems and learning how to solve them are the things exchange students say that they are doing. Cultures are different and everything is new.

“Just go there and find out,” Abba Wahlin from Sweden, ultimately said.