There are two foreign exchange students at Highlands High School this year.
These students bring new ideas and perspectives to the school, and because they come from different backgrounds and cultures, they can offer more knowledge and make the classroom more engaging.
Elina Kleina (12) and Lennox Wasser (11) are the newest Bluebirds at Highlands High School.
The families that take these students in go through a long process.
Cyndi Jordan is Elina’s host mother, and elaborated on why she decided to become one, “After becoming an empty nester, I wanted a way to bring back the energy that our home…We knew we had much to offer here in Fort Thomas and a great school environment to share.”
Hosting a foreign exchange student doesn’t only impact the student, but also the family and people around them.
“It allows us to step out of our comfort zone and daily routine. We are re-discovering everything around us. It has given us a new vision of our community, region, and country, including the culture and government, as we head into an election year.”
However, the responsibility of taking care of a child is not easy.
Jordan gave examples such as, “[Having to] prepare a calendar of learning, fun activities, and outings that showcase our community, region, and country.”
When asked about her cultural celebrations in Lativia, Kleina said, “It’s the opposite of Christmas. We celebrate the longest day and shortest night of the year, Līgovakars. It’s my favorite one.”
Things as simple as school can be much different around the world.
Wasser shared his school experience, “We have 13 classes a year and no elementary, middle, or high school. We have preschool, then elementary school is 1st—4th, secondary school is 5th, and so on.”
Families interested in these resources should contact a third-party operating organization. They must review all the prerequisites and background checks and receive approval to register on the district’s website.
During this process, families must share documentation from the foreign exchange program. Two organizations that sponsor exchange students at Highlands are the International Student Exchange (ISE) and American Field Services Intercultural Program (AFS).
Jordan said, “Hosting brings diversity, learning, and a bond between you, your family, the host student, their family, and the country that is immeasurable.”
