Exchange students enjoying BHS

BHS is hosting five exchange students from Europe this year.

They are Juliette Homans and Leeloo Smets from Belgium, Marta Lippolis from Italy, Emile Rebotier from France and Boldizsar Vamosi of Hungary.

The group has been getting acclimated to their new surroundings through the start of the school year. 

“I love the atmosphere and the people in this school,” said Lippolis, who is enjoying cheerleading in addition to her school work. “The people are kind.”

Rebotier is kicking for the Bison football team. 

“It’s great,” he said. “We don’t play American football in France, so it’s an experience.”

Most are residents of larger cities in Europe, so landing in the Buffalo area has been an adjustment.

“I didn’t know anything about Minnesota. I live in a big city, so it was kind of strange at first, but I don’t mind it being a little bit smaller,” said Vamosi. 

I think it’s cool, the different environment,” said Homans. “It’s different, but fun.”

While each has traveled to other countries in Europe, most had not visited the United States before. Vamosi is the exception, having previously spent a week in Boston.

“It’s different here, because that was a huge city and I was only there for a week. Now it’s more like I’m living my life here rather than being a tourist,” he said.

While giving up a year away from family and friends is a big decision, the students said they have enjoyed the opportunity to speak English regularly and broaden their horizons. Is it worth the separation from their lives at home? 

“I think it is,” said Homans. “It’s kind of hard seeing all my friends go to college and I’m not, but I knew I wanted to do this.”