Imagine being a foreign exchange student. Imagine hopping off the bus on the first day of school and walking into an environment where you don’t know anyone, you aren’t speaking your native language, and you aren’t familiar with any of the customs you see around you.
Well, that was what the first day of school was like for Marie Artlieb (11) and Alice Spalla (11). Both girls are living in the United States for a year as foreign exchange students at Zachary High. Artlieb is from Austria, while Spalla is from Italy. We interviewed both girls about their lives back home and what it’s like going to school as a foreign exchange student.
Alica Spalla
Hailing from northern Milan, Italy, Spalla was excited to come to Zachary High. It’s funny for us to imagine someone from the beautiful city of Milan (known for its art, architecture, and fashion) being excited about our small-town, American high school, but Spalla was eager to experience what high school in the United States was like. She couldn’t wait for a chance at new opportunities and friendships.
“I wanted to experience something new from my country and meet new people,” Spalla said.
Before stepping foot in Zachary High School, Spalla had many emotions, but what struck her the most was fear. She was terrified that she wouldn’t fit in as a foreign exchange student.
“I was really nervous… I was afraid to not really fit in with my classmates, but it wasn’t like that because they were really nice,” Spalla said.
Despite her initial nervousness, Spalla was welcomed into the school by her teachers and classmates, which immediately quelled her worries. After taking a tour of the school and chatting with some of her teachers, her fear was replaced by comfort and excitement for the upcoming school year.
“I was really nervous, but the people were really nice, so it felt like home,” Spalla said.
When asked if she was enjoying her year so far, a wide smile spread across Spalla’s face as she nodded enthusiastically.
“I met new people, and I experienced new things,” Spalla said, “I think it was the best decision to be here, and I’m very excited for the rest of the year.”
Marie Artlieb
Let’s be honest: High School Musical left a mark on all of us. When Artlieb watched the movies, she saw a glimpse of what American high school was like, and she knew she wanted to experience it.
“As a kid, I watched the High School Musical series, and I really liked them, and I wanted to experience that for myself,” Artlieb said.
Unlike Spalla, Artlieb was more nervous than excited on her first day of school. While she did worry a little about not making friends at a new school, she generally felt positive about her first day.
“I was very excited. I thought I would be more nervous, but I wasn’t nervous at all. It was weird. I felt pretty welcome,” Artlieb said.
Artlieb was astonished by how different high schools are in America compared to Europe. She described it as a completely different education system.
“In Austria, a group of students are assigned to each classroom, and the teachers have to move around. [In Austria] I don’t have any electives, I don’t have extracurricular activities, and no school uniform,” Artlieb said.
Artlieb is proud to be a Bronco. She now confidently walks through the halls because she feels like she belongs and is part of the school.
“I’m very happy and proud to be here,” Artlieb said. I feel proud wearing the Z.”
Zachary High is ecstatic to be hosting these two foreign exchange students. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish throughout the year. Welcome to Zachary High School, girls!
