Science Hill has the pleasure of hosting several foreign exchange students worldwide this school year. This has created a spark in interest in the foreign exchange program, and how it works.
The foreign exchange program allows students globally the opportunity to study abroad during high school or college. The purpose of the program is to enhance a student’s life skills in a new location while furthering their education. The program works by connecting the student to another country and placing them in a selected country. While in the new country for a semester to a year, students stay with a host family and attend a normal school in that country, where they interact with other students.
Elisa Lucinai is a sixteen-year-old girl from France living here in Johnson City for the school year. With her kindness and wittiness, Elisa is an absolute pleasure to talk to. I have had the privilege to interview Elisa and ask about her experiences with the exchange program and living in America.
Where are you from, and how is it different from Johnson City?
I am from Lyon France, a major city in France. Johnson City is smaller and more spread out than Lyon.
Why did you decide to become a foreign exchange student?
I don’t know, most of my aunts and uncles and some friends did it [foreign exchange], and they loved it. They have the best stories about their experiences. Also, I’m not sure what I want to do later on, so maybe this will help me find out.
How did you become a foreign exchange student?
I searched online for organizations in France, and I made sure I had all the requirements to get into the program. I had to pass this exam, which was difficult and had lots of paperwork to fill out. My family also had to fill out questions about my personality and interests for my host family. Once I had all the paperwork filled out and passed the exam, I got connected with the program here in America, where they gave me my placement and who my host family would be. The Lewis [my host family] selected me!
Have you been to America before moving here?
Yes, my family and I went to New York City last year, and it was amazing. New York is so big and beautiful.
What were your expectations of Tennessee?
I didn’t know where it was when I first found out I was going there. I searched it up online and thought it was very pretty by the pictures, but it’s so small! In Lyon, we walk just about everywhere in town, but you cannot here! You have to take cars everywhere, which is annoying.
What were your expectations of an American high school?
I thought that everyone would be super super nice and obnoxious, and have really nice teachers. I also thought the classes would be super easy, which they are, except for Biology Two Honors. I was doing a lot of what you guys are learning right now when I was in middle school. I also thought people would judge me for being an exchange student, but they are very welcoming and excited that I am from France.
What is your favorite thing about Science Hill?
I’m not sure, I really like the schedule, back home we have longer days. Also, the teachers are nice, which was weird at first. They call me “miss” and they don’t do that in France. They are also very loud and personal with us.
How does the food differ from her to Lyon? Do you like our food?
The food here isn’t great, but it’s not bad either! It’s more fried here. There is no good bread or cheese that I have found yet, I really miss bread and cheese from back home.
What is the biggest school event your school has back home?
My school back home isn’t like here, we don’t have big sports or dances. Only termiale (seniors) get a big dance at the end of the year. We do most things outside of school with organizations.
Are you in any sports or clubs here and back home?
Back home I swam competitively and did gymnastics. Here I am in the French club and still do gymnastics.
The foreign exchange program allows people to explore different cultures and regions of the world while being educated and cared for. While it is very different from her home, Elisa has enjoyed her time so far in America. The program pushes Elisa, and others to be more welcoming to new journeys and ideas.
