Foreign Exchange Student Highlight

Grisel Gonzalez and Kirra Houpt
Assistant Editor and Staff Writer
  Guilherme Carlesso (preferably known as Gee) is part of the foreign exchange student program
at Bonneville High School. Originally from Curitiba, Brazil, Gee shares that Idaho Falls had
been more of a flatter terrain with taller surrounding mountains, while the Brazilian landscape contains more flourished hills. A major difference he described about the United States and Brazil
is the way food is processed. Gee notes that most of the US food is prepared in an industrial way, such as canned or processed. While in Brazil, much of the food is locally made and grown, An abundant amount of the food here is expensive as well. “Buying chips is five times the
price than in Brazil,” Gee exclaimed. Another contrast Gee notes is the difference in winters between Idaho and Brazil. Since Curitiba hardly receives any snow, seeing it for the first time ...
Skiing and snowboarding are things that Gee would like to do before leaving back to Brazil in January. 
   Once done with his six months as a foreign exchange student, Gee will return home. After arrival, Gee plans to celebrate with his family and friends. Traveling a long way from home was a big decision; however, Gee’s parents were genuine and supportive of his choice, entrusting him knowing he was responsible enough. Gee talks about his host parents' and the loving and caring environment they created for him. Gee spoke about his purpose or aim while being in the United States; he stated, “My main goal was to get better in every aspect. My mind, my English, my looks, my style, and everything.” Gee’s advice to other exchange students is to enjoy the time they have here by sharing it with their friends. Gee says, “If you have the opportunity to go out with your friends, do it instead of staying home because time goes by really, really quickly when you're an exchange student.” Being in Idaho has given Gee a new learning experience and the ability to talk and meet new people, with the best of luck with finishing his last month at Bonneville.