Morgan Nadeau 

Toulouse, France

Why did you want to be an exchange student? 

“I wanted to be an exchange student because I’m very interested in traveling and getting to know the language and culture. It all just seems so unique.”

What will you miss during your time in France?

“I’m definitely going to miss my friends and family the most since they are such a big part of my life. They always make me laugh and they’re always there for me to depend on.”

What are you looking forward to as an exchange student?

“Heading off to France, I’m really looking forward to gaining new friendships and picking up the language in hopes of being bilingual. I think my experience will really help me for mission trips as well. Overall, I think it’s going to be an amazing trip.”

Mary Beth Nieman (left)

Salzgitter, Germany

Why did you want to be an exchange student?
“I’ve always wanted to go to different countries and experience their cultures, and since I’m taking German, why would I pass up the opportunity to go to there?”

What will you miss about your life here while you’re in Germany?
“I’m going to miss my best friend and dancing, my family too of course. And the food that’s only in America.

What are you looking forward to when you study abroad next year?
“I’m looking forward to meeting new people, learning the language, and I can’t think of specific things. I’m just so excited for everything, and seeing everything, that I can’t find the words.”

Grace Lewis (right)
Aalen, Germany

Why did you want to be an exchange student?

“I’ve wanted to go to Germany ever since I learned about the country itself and now I finally got
the chance to go. I’ve never actually been out of the country so I jumped at this chance and I’m
so happy that I did.”

What will you miss most while you stay in Germany?
“Peanut Butter… Avocados…My cats… and I guess my family, but I mean they’ll be fine without me!”

What are you looking forward to during your study abroad experience?
“My goal is to travel as much as possible. I also want to visit everyone else who will be in
Europe. I want to try new things that I can’t do here at home like drink beer since it is legal
where I’m going. I just really want to do everything that I have the opportunity to do.”

Mytia McAlary
Yokkaichi, Japan

Why did you want to be an exchange student?
“I’ve been interested in Japan ever since I was younger, and when I found out that I could actually travel abroad, I tried to go for it in eighth grade. I was too young, so I applied again in ninth grade, but my Keystones said no. I wasn’t about to give up though, and in tenth grade I finally got accepted.”

What do you think you’ll miss about your life in America?
“I’m going to miss my family and my friends. I’ll also miss the other opportunities that come with junior year, like junior prom, but I know there will be different opportunities over there as well.”

What are you looking forward to during your opportunity to study in Japan?
“I’m looking forward to making a lot of new friends and experiencing the culture. Learning the language for sure, and I can’t forget about trying all of the food.”

Kaitlyn Van Dame
Madrid, Spain

Why did you want to be an exchange student?
“I never knew [studying abroad] was an opportunity that was available to us, and so when I found out, it was unreal. I thought it was going to be impossible to get in, but I just went after it anyway, and a couple of months later here I am. I was so excited when they told me I’m going to Spain next year!”

What will you miss while you’re away in Spain?
“I think my family and friends will be a huge part of the things I miss, along with speaking in English all the time. I think it will be very hard to not be able to understand everyone, or want to talk but not be able to for a little bit. Just daily routines that I’ve grown used to over here are going to be totally reversed, so I’ll have to get used to that.”

What are you looking forward while you study abroad?
“I’m excited to become fluent in another language and experience a daily life so different from mine, like school, culture, food. I can’t wait to learn all about their country.”