Foreign exchange students are some of the bravest teenagers out there. They choose to leave behind everything they’ve ever known in exchange for the adventure of a lifetime. Students are able to select which country, town, and family they will reside in/with. These decisions are incredibly important, and can sway how the entire year will be. Still, they make the choice, and begin their travel, eventually landing in their chosen destination and starting their new journey. I wondered what the experience might be like from the perspective of one of these foreign exchange students, so I took it upon myself to interview one of the few within our school this year.
I interviewed Victor Pardo, one of the exchange students from Spain. Victor told me that he lived in a town about an hour away from Barcelona. He plays soccer (futbol), and loves to spend time with his friends, family, and girlfriend. He listens to music, has fun, and deals with daily struggles just like the rest of us. He led the typical life of a teenage boy. But, he decided to make this big change.
Victor wanted something different from life. Living the same monotonous life was becoming boring. He was looking for adventure. And he certainly got it. He has only been here since the beginning of August, but already he has many friends, most of whom speak Spanish themselves. Victor explained that this eases communication immensely. He also enjoys soccer here, and often plays with his new friends. He is able to experience new, very American things every day.
Despite all of this, Victor still misses home. While interviewing him, I asked him one thing he would want to say to those he misses, and he said that he would tell them that he loved them very much. Also similarly to a typical teenage boy, he has a big heart underneath a nonchalant exterior.
Foreign exchange students are some of the most courageous people because they are willing to put themselves through extreme unfamiliarity in order to gain new experiences. They leave their entire worlds behind, just to get a glimpse into a new one.
