From One Country to the Next

Gianmarco Quinzi
Staff Writer 
  Bonneville High School is well known for having the biggest exchange program in Idaho Falls and Ammon. The exchange student program is a way for students to improve their English skills and learn to be more independent without direct guidance from parents. As reported by Mr. Jolley, there are roughly 30 exchange students from different countries currently at Bonneville. At the beginning of 2023, Bonneville gained three new exchange students: two from Germany and one from Italy. 
  Leonie Vogler, an exchange student from Germany, came to the United States on January 14, 2023. She was assigned to Bonneville High School to continue her educational journey. In response to why she decided to join an exchange program, Vogler stated she chose “ this experience to learn English, but also because of American life.” Choosing a shorter program, Vogler will only be at Bonneville for half a year. Vogler’s motivation behind a partial year is because she “love[s] [her] family and friends too much” to be gone for a full year. Luckily, Vogler has her “whole life ahead” to continue her travels and see the world. 
  Hailing from Italy, Thomas Tituri is a seventeen years old boy who arrived in the United States about three weeks ago. Tituri’s first impression of the United States was that everything is different in its own way, which makes the country such a unique place. According to Tituri, “I chose to participate in an exchange student program because I want to learn something new about myself.” Tituri also expressed interest in learning about different cultures and strengthening his English skills. 
  Expressing a different point of view. Marlene Nour Leopold, from Mainz, Germany, chose to come to the United States to experience the American lifestyle. According to Leopold, many people in the United States are open-minded and kind, so adjusting to her new life has been a breeze. Having been here for about three weeks, her goals include “learn[ing] English” and finding her own independence. In regards to Bonneville High School, Leopold feels that “[Bonneville] is a good school, the teachers are nice” and the school is full of great classes, like fashion strategies. Along with great classes, Leopold appreciates her fellow exchange students as they welcome her and understand the difficulties of leaving one’s home. 
Taking an exchange student program or half of it, is a big opportunity to explore the world, to discover the diversity of any country. An experience and to learn and understand the habits that the people have, anyway this experience is also a way to make friends around the world.