TOWAMENCIN- For over 50 years, North Penn has welcomed foreign exchange students to the high school to study abroad. This year, you can find five European girls walking the halls, including Anaise Pecher from Aalen, Germany. Pecher is here for the first semester, and is so excited for the journey ahead, but unlike most exchange students, she was actually born in the U.S.

“I lived in Austin for two years and Chicago for one. My dad ended his Masters at Northwestern and went back to Munich,” Pecher explained.

Having been so young when she lived here, Pecher has few if any memories of life in the U.S. Other than visiting Chicago three years ago, she is new to American life and culture.

“I thought it would be more overwhelming, but if felt familiar to me so I wasn’t as shocked as I expected,” commented Pecher.

After only a few weeks, Pecher has noticed many differences between Germany and America.

“The cars are so different. People have big trucks and SUVs, which is not common in Germany. The streets are bigger and the speed limit is so slow!” Pecher shared.

There are many stereotypes of the U.S., and she was surprised to find one that wasn’t true.

“It surprised me that people watch what they eat and that my family eats a lot of vegetables. I was expecting people to eat junk food all the time,” admitted Pecher.

She has also noted the differences from her school to North Penn. North Penn is of course much bigger in size and population, but also offers clubs and sports, which her school does not. She was also surprised that everyone gets their own Chromebook, and how freely we can use our phones. Pecher also appreciates the freedom of getting to choose her schedule, because at her school everyone takes the same core classes.

“The classes here are so much more interesting. The teachers really like what they are doing. It is also more interesting because you choose your classes based on your interests,” said Pecher.

So far, Pecher has felt welcomed and said everyone has been open minded and positive towards her. Though everyone has been nice, she noted how difficult it has been to start completely over in a new environment, without your family or any friends.

“I miss my sister the most. I also miss German bread, because a lot of the food is packaged here,” shared Pecher.

Pecher’s favorite classes so far are Forensics, Contemporary American Literature, and Food Science. She is currently apart of Water Polo and Chorus, and plans to join Swimming, German club, and possibly more clubs. In only one semester here, it is clear she will make her mark in many realms of the school.