Ana Delcourt is a foreign exchange student at Owatonna High School this year from France. Delcourt wanted to come to the United States after her three cousins got to experience it. She has loved it so far. She wanted to visit the US again after visiting a year ago.
Delcourt said, “I’ve always wanted to come here again, to discover more about the US, to live the American life for a year and be able to speak English fluently.”
Delcourt will stay with one host family throughout her time in the United States. She was in contact with her host family six months in advance before coming to the United States, so she was so excited to finally meet them.
Delcourt said, “I think that meeting my host family was one of my favorite parts.” Delcourt has very much enjoyed her time with her host family. Delcourt said, “Living with them is awesome. I like them so much. They make me feel so at home and since the beginning I consider them my family.”
During the fall, Delcourt joined cross country at OHS. In France, Delcourt was involved in track and field and Krav Maga, a self-defense sport. Delcourt is a junior this year at OHS and has had a great time and a good overall experience so far.
Delcourt said, “I enjoy being a student of OHS. The school is really nice and the people too. I’ve made really great friends. I also really like the classes I chose. Teachers are nice too.”
Back home, Delcourt’s school students are only allowed to choose three classes. The rest of the classes are not allowed by the student body to choose and select. The school schedule is the same all year in the school Delcourt attended back in France.
Delcourt said, “[The biggest change is] it’s so much more difficult than here and days at school can last from 8 a.m. till 6 p.m.”
One big adjustment for Delcourt has been the food as well as the time of the meals. Delcourt said, “[I miss] the food, especially the bread and the pastries.” Delcourt has settled in very well and still has really great connections with her friends and family in France.
OHS continues to be a welcoming environment for foreign exchange students. Many foreign exchange students are a part of OHS this year. Read more about OHS foreign exchange students on ohsmagnet.com soon.
