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September 4, 2009
Lindsay Huth
For most people, experiencing a new culture means sipping cappuccinos at an Italian café or exploring the Australian outback. However, anyone unwilling to travel to the other side of the world is in luck: many Hoban students have been able to learn about far-off lands without leaving the comfort of their own homes by hosting a foreign exchange student.
“It’s exciting to meet new people and learn about different ways of life,” said sophomore Ally Fobean who hosted a Chilean student last spring. “It helped me learn more about the Hispanic culture.”
The foreign students make their homes away from home for anywhere from two weeks to two months while attending classes at Hoban.
“I was nervous to meet her [the foreign exchange student] but excited to have her come,” Fobean said.
The travelers have the opportunity to learn about American culture and life, which often includes going to visit places such as Columbus, Niagara Falls, Pittsburgh and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In the process, the host students receive an education about a different way of life as well.
“I get to learn about their culture and how it is different but how it is the same, too,” said sophomore Emily Gibbons, who welcomed Spanish student Maria Montigneaux into her home this fall.
The differences in customs were what really struck Fobean.
“I was surprised to learn that in Chile they only have caramel [popcorn]. They don’t have salt and butter on their movie theater popcorn,” Fobean said. “They never use their hands when they eat so she [the foreign exchange students] had to learn to use her hands before she came.”
Spanish teacher Amy Zeller sees the shared traits among cultures.
“It shows them a lot of similarities and also the differences,” Zeller said. “The similarities really open their eyes. They’ll say, ‘You hang out with your friends on Saturday nights, too?’ The little things surprise kids.”
Whether it was the similarities or the differences that shocked them, both Fobean and Gibbons recommend the program to anyone interested in a new culture and a fun experience.
“You get to learn so much and make a friend you’ll have for life,” Gibbons said.
And for more adventurous students, the opportunity to become a foreign exchange student still stands.
“I’m excited because I get to visit my foreign exchange student in Chile. I can’t wait to go. It looks like a beautiful place,” Fobean said.
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