For many years, Paoli has received new foreign exchange students from all over the world, with most typically arriving at the beginning of the school year. This year is different, as PHS saw two exchange girls leave, while two new students arrived at the beginning of second semester.
The new students are Joao “Jay” Neto Severiano Domingues and Lukas Huber. Domingues is from Brazil while Huber is from Germany. Huber is staying with the Braces and Domingues is staying with Ashley Young and her family, while both boys finish out their exchange years. Both Domingues and Huber enjoy hanging out with new friends and getting involved in school activities here at PHS.
“Staying with my host family and learning their morning routines, making friends, and sharing similar cultural interests has been my favorite part of being an exchange student,” said Domingues.
The process and transition to be an exchange student is fairly easy: it consists of interviews, forms and a series of tests.
“First we have to do an interview which decides if we can take part in the program then you have to fill out many forms, go to the doctor, and so on. We also had a seminar in preparation for the exchange year. Here in the U.S. we have a coordinator who is there for us,” said Huber.
Both are excited to be here and learn more about American culture as well as live new experiences.