Seventeen foreign exchange students are attending schools across Webster Parish this academic year, including 15 in Webster Parish public schools and two at Glenbrook School.
The Webster Parish School Board recently highlighted the 15 students enrolled in parish public schools, representing countries across Europe, Australia and South America.
“This year we have 15 foreign exchange students, and they are from all over the world! I am so excited for you to get to see just what a blessing having them on our campuses is, that they are getting to expose our kids to their cultures as well,” said Dr. Rebecca Wilson, personnel director for Webster Parish School Board.
At North Webster High School, nine exchange students are enrolled: Mari Bjoerkheim of Norway; Karoline Brandi of Denmark; Lena Herrmann of Germany; Eloa DeGroot and Liv Van Dijk of the Netherlands; Rachel Gelding of Australia; Liliana Nesbach of Germany; Elettra Mannato of Italy; and Petra Jovanovic of Norway.
Lakeside High School is hosting five students: Claudia Alomar of Spain; Ida-Adeliina Hemminki of Finland; Romana Psotova of Slovakia; Lena Dabrowska of Poland; and Anna Petrochenkova of Russia.
Minden High School is welcoming Laura Guentzel of Germany.
At Glenbrook School, Agostina Renzi of Argentina and Yasmin Carvalho of Brazil are enrolled this year.
“Exchange students enhance the high school experience by bringing new perspectives, cultures, and friendships into everyday learning. We have enjoyed having these two students and appreciate how they have contributed to our school culture in many ways,” said Glenbrook Head of School Mrs. Johnna Jinks.
Pam Jenkins, an EF Education coordinator and host parent, said local campuses have been welcoming to students, even when placements occur close to or after the start of the school year.
“I wanted to thank you for being so open to our students,” Jenkins said. “We have nine kids at North Webster, and they love it, and the kids love it. I feel like it’s such a blessing to the kids of North Webster because some of those children will never leave the South. For them to be able to make friends and be able to say, ‘I have a friend, and she lives in Paris,’ is a super cool thing.”
Exchange students typically attend for a semester or full academic year through accredited international agencies. Students, generally between 14 and 18 years old, must meet academic requirements and demonstrate English proficiency before being placed with host families.
Host families must be at least 25 years old, complete an application process, pass background checks for all adults in the home and participate in a home visit. Coordinators work to match students and families based on interests and compatibility, and they provide ongoing support throughout the year.
Hosts provide a safe home environment, meals, transportation and a bedroom. Students carry their own medical insurance and receive spending money from their families for personal expenses.
Officials say hosting offers families the opportunity to share American traditions while learning about other cultures. Families with or without children are eligible to apply.
For more information about exchange programs or becoming a host family, individuals may contact Pam Jenkins or Micaela Brunson via Facebook.