High school and college students embark on life changing experiences as they step off the plane into foreign countries. These new cultural and academic opportunities are made possible through community support and Edmond’s Foreign Exchange Student Policy.
Traveling far from home can be intimidating for many students. Homesickness and adjusting to a new environment can affect mental health and academic performance. Amicable host families and friendly faces at Santa Fe make the exchange process less intimidating.
“The people here are really nice and welcoming,” Swedish exchange student Ellen Malm said. “They talk much louder than where I’m from though.”
Malm transferred via International Student Exchange (ISE) and has shared her positive experience through the program. She is making many friends and excels academically.
Students must be 16 or older and maintain good grades to participate in programs like ISE or EF tours.
“I think if you’re an academically strong kid, you should do it because you’re only young once,” freshman exchange student counselor Angela Mattson said. “If you get the opportunity, go for it because the experience is pretty amazing.”
The exclusive once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is available to Oklahoma students as well. The United States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has a resource where U.S. citizens can find programs for which they are eligible.
