Since 1962, the North Penn International Friendship Committee has been cultivating peace and understanding by sending and receiving exchange students to and from foreign countries. North Penn High School welcomes four students from Europe to study during the 2016-2017 academic year.

Cem Hoffman

With plenty of travelling experience and a passion for being outside and spending time with friends, Cem Hoffman, German exchange student from Salzgitter, Germany, was more than relieved to disembark from the 8.5-hour flight that landed him in the United States. Acknowledging his excitement to begin his year as an exchange student, Hoffman also confessed that he yearned a bit for his loved ones.

“I had mixed feelings, actually,” stated Hoffman. “I was really excited to come here, but on the other hand, I would leave my friends behind me. For one year, I’m not going to see them.”

However, Hoffman has been taking advantage of his experience; the exchange student revealed that his host family proves to be his favorite aspect of the experience, and he spends his free time playing on the NPHS men’s soccer team.

Comparing NPHS to his school in Germany, Hoffman revealed the stark difference; his school in Germany consists of eight grades and 500 students. Additionally, the students mainly remain in the same classroom all day, with an exception for science-based courses.

As Hoffman strives to be successful in school, do his best, and improve his English, he explained that he has encountered one challenge: chemistry.

“I know all of the elements in German, but it’s a whole other thing in English,” stated Hoffman. “It’s the most difficult part.”

Veronica Muñoz

Flying for the first time, Veronica Muñoz, Spanish exchange student from Madrid, Spain, explained that although she was frightened by flight and airport security, she has fallen in love with the American way of life.

Compared to the hustle and bustle of Madrid, Muñoz has been experiencing a breath of fresh air in the small town of Lansdale.

“Everything is so green and has a lot of trees,” stated Muñoz. “I really love that.”

Not only does Muñoz enjoy the differing environment, but also the food, weather, and people. In fact, Muñoz explained that her host family has proven to be her favorite aspect of her experience as an exchange student. Since she and Kaitlyn Van Dame, a NPHS junior studying in Madrid, Spain this year, are experiencing a direct exchange, Muñoz explained that the relationship has been more intimate.

In reference to her Spanish school, Muñoz predicts that it could fit inside Crawford Stadium at NPHS. With students ranging from three years old to eighteen years old, her Spanish school has an enrollment of about 2,000 students. Not only does NPHS have more students, but also more opportunities.

“It has a lot of things, like the stadiums for sports, and it’s very American,” explained Muñoz. “My school doesn’t have all those things like homecoming, so that’s something that every kid in Spain wants to do: graduate with the cap and gown. I’m living the American dream.”

While Muñoz illustrates her passion for life as an American, she explained that there have been a few difficulties along the way: transitioning from Spanish to English and math class. However, her positive attitude supports her through such endeavors.

“I always try to see the good part of things,” said Muñoz.

Karolina Weiland

After a nine-hour flight, Karolina Weiland, German exchange student from Essingen, Germany, safely arrived in the United States on August 24^th, 2016. Admitting that she was nervous at first, Weiland explained that studying abroad has proved to be worth it.

“I thought it was a good idea to do the exchange, [and] now I’m happy that I decided to do it,” stated Weiland. “I love it, and it’s all so big and different to Germany.”

Not only has the United States itself proven to be differ significantly from Germany, but also Weiland’s school. With having the same students in her classes and only 500 students enrolled in her school in Germany, compared to new faces every period and the 3,000 students at NPHS, she explained that transition has been an adjustment.

With interests ranging from track and field to piano to cross country to dancing, Weiland proves to enjoy a variety of activities. Recalling a weekend in Ocean City, New Jersey and a trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Weiland mentioned her favorite moments in the United States so far.

While spending a year abroad has presented countless advantages, it still presents its difficulties.

“[The] most challenging is the school and to speak the whole time [in] English. It makes me tired,” explained Weiland.

Despite such challenges, Weiland is determined to focus on her main goal: fluency in the English language.

Luc Bougeard

With a passion for sports, Luc Bougeard, French exchange student from Bordeaux, France, has assimilated himself easily into the environment of North Penn High School. As a player on the NPHS men’s water polo team, Bougeard explained that sports are a major aspect of his life; he surfs and climbs in France.

Not only does Bougeard play for the water polo team, but also awaits the first meeting of the French Club and hopes to join the Ski and Snowboarding Club. Bougeard explained that because of NPHS’s size, joining extracurricular activities is essential to meet new people and make friends.

Equipped with an outgoing personality and excitement, Bougeard landed in the United States after a flight of about eight hours. However, upon arrival Bougeard was held at a security checkpoint for over an hour.

Despite the delay, the French exchange student has been pleased with his experience.

“I think the people are really cool, and the junk food is good,” stated Bougeard.

Not only does Bougeard hope to meet new people, but also improve his English by eliminating his French accent.