Most people at North Penn High School don’t know who Arthur Conze is. Conze is not the average student in North Penn who has most likely spent their whole life in the Montgomery County area; he is a French foreign exchange student who is currently experiencing a massive culture shock.

Conze’s first impressions of coming to America, most notably North Penn, was how much bigger the atmosphere was compared to France. Also, he explained to me how the teachers in his homeland were much more strict and only worried about themselves.

“The teachers at my old school in France were very strict and they didn’t really care about the students,” said Conze. “But, this school, I like this school because the teachers are so nice and they actually care about everybody.”

While the teachers have impressed Conze thus far, so has the food. Since he has been residing in America, he hasn’t had any problems with the different kinds and varieties of food that he’s been offered. In fact, his favorite food so far has been the infamous Philly Cheesesteak.

“It was very delicious; when I first looked at it it looked funny looking, but when I took my first bite the taste just serenaded in my mouth,” explained Conze. On the other hand, the cafeteria food, he says jokingly, is nasty.

Conze talks about his new life in America and North Penn when he calls his parents every week on Saturday and through text on the weekdays. Keeping in touch with his family every week is making him feel more comfortable and less homesick, as of right now.

“I haven’t felt homesick yet, because of the constant contact I stay in with my family,” Conze says.

By the end of this year Conze hopes that this “once in a lifetime” experience helps him speak English fluently and build relationships with new people that can last a lifetime. “I’m very excited to be here, I like it so far.”