Four exchange students visit GR

High school is hard enough without spending one year in another country.

This is exactly what four foreign exchange students are doing. Four girls from other countries arrived in the United States in August and will remain in Green River and attended Green River High School during the year.

The girls, Isabel Martin of Spain, Florine Oger of Belgium, Gabriela Scherfelovia of Slovakia and Sukkanya Ngaemngarm of Thailand, have been adjusting to life in Wyoming.

All of the girls were able to select which country they would like to visit for the school year. None of them hesitated to pick the United States.

"When I thought about a place for live during 10 months I just thought that America would be the place because it's so different to my country and I saw a good opportunity to live something amazing and different," Martin said.

Oger wanted to expand on her English skills and thought America would be a great place to do that.

Scherfelovia has always had an interest in American culture. When she found out there was a way to visit America through the foreign-exchange program she decided to give it a try.

Ngaemngarm not only wanted to improve her English skills, but immerse herself in American culture.

"I love American style it has many freedom and American culture is very different from my country," Ngaemngarm said.

While everything seems different to the students, some really stand out. All agreed that the biggest culture shock was just how much Wyomingites like hunting. It is something the students are having a hard time grasping.

Oger, is having a big time adjusting to the wide-open spaces and the small-town feel.

"In America they drive a lot, she said. "They can drive five hours and still be in the same state. In Belgium, is you drive five hours, you go from one side of the country to the other."

She is from a city with 1 million people. Oger said she also noticed that Americans are really into religion and family.

Martin, who is living in a host house with six children, said the families here are much bigger and when she went to the store with her host family they were buying everything in big sizes. The architecture of the houses are also different. Martin said she couldn't help but notice how many houses fly the American flag.

"The biggest and most shocking for me, is that nobody is walking by feet," Scherfelovia said. "So when I want to cross the street I have to wait for 10 minutes in the stop lights."

"We don't have more freedom like USA," Ngaemngarm said.

The students are also adjusting to American high-school life.

"In my school in Thailand we wear uniform and can't have long hair, can't wear earning, can't do anything with your hair color," Ngaemngarm said. "We have to do school activities before school start. We can't choose the subjects."

Scherfelovia said the whole school system is different and their teachers are not as nice and are more strict than here.

For Oger some of the subject matter she is learning about is some she has already covered. The biggest change is her school does not have sports. Oger took advantage of an opportunity and is playing volleyball.

"I really like it," Oger said. "Sometimes it's hard, but sport is something I like so I enjoy it and the team is really nice. The girls are supportive."

"I think the classes are quite good. I've received a lot of help from the teachers, they have let me use the translator as much as I needed and all the direction of the center have been awesome with me so I really appreciate it," Martin said.

As for American food, all four girls said they have gained weight since arriving in America. They joked about needing to go to the mall soon and buy bigger pants.

"I really like the meals that my host mom makes so I don't really have a problem with that. The thing that I like most is pancakes with butter syrup. It is so awesome and I don't really like so much the peanut butter," Martin said.

Oger agreed with Martin on not liking peanut butter, however, Ngaemngarm liked it a lot.

Since Oger is from Belgium, which is known for its chocolate it is no surprise that she doesn't like American chocolate.

"One thing I tried is corn on the cob and I love it," Oger said. "American food is really fattening, but I like it. And, I will never get used to people eating bacon and egg in the morning."

"I love the food here. I like the Texas Roadhouse the most I can have sweet potatoes or blooming onion," Scherfelovia said. "Moreover, you have the best dips I have ever ate."

Ngaemngarm has taken a shining to Mexican food, because she said it reminds her of Thai food because it is spicy. She said in Thailand rice is the main food.

Although the girls are enjoying their time in Wyoming, they would like to visit bigger cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami or San Francisco.

While in America, the girls are trying continuing their interests. Martin and Scherfelovia have continued to dance and are excited to learn some American dances. Scherfelovia even taught a dance class.

Ngaemngarm was excited to play her playing bell in the GRHS band. She was also excited about joining the marching band, something she has never done before.

All four students are a little home sick, but are glad they are not passing up a good experience.

Ngaemngarm said she does miss her parents, but she chats with them on Facebook and on the phone. She is excited to be making new friends and learning slang words.

"I think it's so hard being so far from your country. I miss Spain and my parents a lot and sometimes I can't talk to them as much as I would like it because in Spain is eight hours more so it's hard, but I think that this would make me so strong," Martin said.

All four girls are thankful for their host families and their new friends in Green River.

"I would like to say thank you to my host family for choosing me, for helping me and accepting me in their home," Martin said. "I've received a lot of help from them and I am so glad to be in their house."