‘Around the World’ is an ongoing series featuring the CCHS experiences of foreign exchange students.
Every year, Casey County High School welcomes exchange students from different corners of the world to study here. This year, one of those students is Emily Hastedt, a junior from Germany, currently studying at CCHS.
Coming to a new school in a different country, surrounded by new people, can be a scary yet fun opportunity.
“My experience has been really good,” Hastedt said. “It’s different from my home school.”
While Hastedt has enjoyed her time at Casey County High School, it is very different from her school in Germany.
“At my home school, there is no dress code,” she said. “We also have much longer breaks between classes.”
Although American and German schools have their differences, they also have similarities.
“In Germany, we still have core classes and electives,” Hastedt said.
Hastedt has had many new experiences in the US, but her favorite thing has been meeting new people.
“The people here in America are very nice,” she said.
While she has been having a great time here in Casey County, Hastedt has also missed a few things about her home country.
“I miss my family and my friends,” she said. “I miss the food as well. American food is much sweeter than the food in Germany.”
Usually, when foreign exchange students study in a different country, they stay with a host family. This can be scary as you would be living with people you’ve never met before, however, Hastedt has had a slightly different experience.
“My sisters have actually studied abroad here at Casey County before,” she said. “I’ve known my host family for over 10 years.”
CCHS offers many new and fun experiences for their foreign exchange students. They get to meet new people, learn new things and become exposed to American culture.
“I definitely recommend coming here,” Hastedt said. “It’s a great experience. The people here are very nice.”
Hastedt’s time at CCHS will come to an end this December, when she returns home to Germany.
