When most people think of studying abroad, college programs most often come to mind. However, for some international students, studying abroad in high school is a real possibility thanks to the help of clubs like AFS at Old Rochester Regional High School.
Roughly half a dozen foreign exchange students spent the 2014-2015 school year at ORR, including Elena Voigt who came all the way from Germany to be a student at the local high school. Elena, who spent this year living in Rochester, shared some of her experiences as an ORR senior for this article.
After coming over from Germany at the beginning of this school year, Voigt was welcomed by a brunch party thrown by her neighbors that helped her acclimate to life in the Tri-Town and as a student at ORR.
“They tried their best to make me feel comfortable and give me the full American experience,” Voigt said.
She noted that there are big differences between the U.S. and her home country, but called the separation between the two cultures “a good difference.”
Voigt also joined the Cross Country team as a way to meet friends and adjust to the school culture of ORR. She continued her running by participating in both the indoor and outdoor track seasons, where she thrived as a distance runner.
Voigt was impressed by the ORR school system and how friendly the teachers are. She also got along well with the students of ORR and developed a close-knit group of friends, partly thanks to her welcoming event at the beginning of the year. She elaborated by saying, “Students are a lot kinder here [than in Germany.]”
When asked about her feelings on her impending graduation and the end of the school year, Voigt described the feeling as bittersweet.
“I would rather stay here,” she said. “I am looking forward to all the senior events, however.”
Looking ahead, Voigt is unsure if a return to America is in her future. She will return to Germany this summer.
“First I’ll return to Germany, then we’ll see what happens after that,” Voigt said.
According to Voigt, one of her best memories of America will be “meeting new people, and just being open to new things.”
In addition, Voigt brought up an interesting, relatable observation about American culture.
“Something that was really weird about America,” Voigt said, “is that there are front doors in houses which are not used.” This tidbit is something that Voigt says she will remember about America, in addition to her time spent running, learning, and enjoying high school life at ORR.
Elena will leave this summer with a wealth of knowledge, many new friends, and a multitude of great memories made during her year in America. Whether or not she returns to this country is up to her, but the experience made possible by the accommodating staff and students of ORR and her caring host parents is one she’ll surely never forget.
By Patrick Briand
