Foreign Exchange Students at Lockwood High

By Theodora Oksendahl-Fredrickson

Lockwood High School has gained a variety of exchange students this year. These exchange students are Greta Barbagrigia from Italy, Ninon Blanquart from France, Felipe Cristofani from Brazil, Celia Hernandez Palacios from Spain, Julia Loreto Assis Nacarado from Brazil, Ainara Martin Gutierrez from Spain, Mia Monnier from France, and Lukas Zumkir from Belgium. Julia, Mia, Greta, and Ainara can all speak two languages.

When asked what their biggest struggle has been, Julia stated “I think not being in my house and with my family.” The group expressed the difficulty of trying to articulate their thoughts into English, but added their appreciation for others' patience. Though people have been patient, socializing and making friends is still a struggle. Ainara told us that the biggest culture shock she noticed was how much Americans use their car to get places.

Many of Lockwood’s foreign exchange students participate in sports. Mia manages the volleyball team, Celia plays volleyball, and Greta is part of Lockwood’s cheer team, and Felipe and Lukas play football. Many sports in America are supported by the school system but in some countries, sports is an extracurricular activity. Along with schools in America being sports orientated, they’re much more casual.

If you haven’t yet had the chance, be sure to introduce yourself and make our foreign exchange students feel welcome.