Foreign exchange students reflect on year

This year, North Harford welcomed three foreign exchange students to the nest: senior Redina Tahaj (Albania), senior Laura Ilottu (Finland), and sophomore Niklas Irle (Germany).

   The exchange students agree that they learned a lot about themselves and the world around them during their time in the US, however, they did have trouble coping with a few things.

     “The hardest thing for me is being away from my friends,” said Irle.

     All three students felt that American schooling was very difficult to get used to, but they enjoyed it very much.

     “In Albania, you have mandatory classes. But in America, you can choose what you want to take,” said Tahaj.

     Each student participated in extracurricular activities while they were in the US.    Irle was a member of the cross country team, Tahaj was a member of the swimming and the track and field teams, and Ilottu was a member of the track team. As a result, they all developed relationships with coaches and other students that they hope to keep in touch with.

     “My favorite thing about America is all of the nice people, I want all of them to come visit me in Finland,” said Ilottu.

     The foreign exchange students will soon return home to their families, but they will take many memories with them. Irle, Tahaj, and Ilottu all agree that they will miss American food and how “open-minded and friendly” people are. Irle, especially, is excited to return home and see all of his friends and family.

     “The first thing I’m going to do when I get home is meet with all of my friends, and then I have three more weeks of school,” said Irle.

     Many students at North Harford are sad to see the students leave, but are hopeful that they will be able to keep in touch.

     “I love them; they are my favorite people in the world. I am going to miss them and I want to try to visit them,” said freshman Katie Campbell.

     Many North Harford students also appreciate how kind the foreign exchange students were. They were described as being very supportive to their fellow teammates and friends.

     “Laura is very nice and I’m definitely going to miss her a lot. She encouraged me and helped me to get past the pain I went through with track,” said junior Laura Eller.

     With the 2012-2013 school year coming to a close, the foreign exchange students must leave, but will never be forgotten.