Alejandra Ferdandez and Vendela Anderbro are two of five international exchange students that Spring Lake High School is welcoming this year. Fernandez and Anderbro sit down with the Laker Anchor to talk about their first few weeks at an American school and the major differences they have had to adapt to.
What has been the most challenging part of American schooling?
Vendela: The change in languages, especially in math because I know how to do the math problem, but not how I’m supposed to do it. It’s also hard because we learned different methods.
Alejandra: In Spain we don’t change classes. We stay in the same class the whole time and the teachers change, so the passing period is different. We also don’t have lockers. We can bring our backpacks.
What has been your favorite class so far?
Vendela: I think my favorite class is “World History” because hes (Mr Warren) funny. None of the teachers in Sweden have a personality that they express, they’re just kind of boring. It’s nice to have a teacher who has a big personality.
Alejandra: My favorite class is “Foods of the World,” because it’s really fun and I like cooking different dishes. We have made Mexican and Italian food. I would like to make Spanish food though!
What has it been like being on a team?
Vendela: The team is so nice, I didn’t expect that. I thought it was going to be more small groups of people who hangout, but its really more like a community and everyone hangs out. (Swimming) is a lot harder than I thought it would be though. I was thinking about joining a club team when I go back.
Alejandra: I like the (swim team), but it’s a lot different than in Spain. In Spain we only choose one sport for the whole year. I think I’ll want to do more than one sport this year.
Why did you decide to do this experience?
Vendela: My sister went on an exchange like nine years ago to Texas. It seemed so fun.
Alejandra: To learn about American culture, learn English and make new friends. In Europe, it’s common to think that all Americans are fat, and that’s not true.
What is one word you would use to describe your first week at an American school?
Vendela: Exhausting. Not a lot of sleep
Alejandra: The first week was really stressful, especially trying to make friends in a different country and different language.
