News

Nothing foreign about this exchange

By R. Paige Kettner
Compass Correspondent

NEENAH -- St. Mary Central High School (SMC) is fostering a "civilization of love and forming a new generation of young Christian servant leaders" through student foreign exchange programs.

This year they are sponsoring four students, two from post-communist countries of Slovakia and Hungary, and others from Vietnam and Spain. All are part of organized programs offering educational scholarships for cross-cultural learning in the United States.

The Global Outreach Program is a Catholic exchange committed to "building connections" in Central/Eastern Europe. SMC has been associated with this program for more than 20 years. The ongoing relationship and student interaction have been invaluable said Franciscan Sr. Rochelle Kerkhof, principal.

The foreign exchange program is an important aspect of the school community, continued Sr. Rochelle. "It makes the world a lot smaller. ... It broadens students' and host families' view of the world, of peoples of other countries and their cultures. Each of these students has such a vivacious spirit and joyful presence that makes them fun to be with and around."

Peter Tinath of Slovakia and Klara Kollar of Budapest, Hungary are both Catholic and members of the junior class. Global Outreach is their exchange sponsor. When they apply for an exchange, students do not know their destined school or state.

"They select schools where there is a 'best match' to students' abilities and learning objectives," said Kollar. "They look for good leaders who will bring a strengthened faith back to their homes and communities."

Vu Thu Ngan ("Ava") of Hanoi, Vietnam joined the senior class; her faith is Buddhism. Paloma Arranz of Tres Cautos near Madrid, Spain is a junior who follows old-world Catholic traditions. Both are participants of the International Hospitality exchange.

All are excited about their opportunity to learn about the United States. They hope their presence will have a positive impact on SMC students.

"We want to tell about our lives, our families and our homes ... we're really no so much different," said Peter. "Maybe economically, maybe our traditions and activities, but we're taught to live and share our faith and encourage others to do the same."

Beyond settling in with host families, the exchange students focus on their education: maintaining grades, making new friends, and joining music, arts and sports curricula. All noticed a significant difference in the "methodology and practice of instruction" at SMC versus instructional practices at home.

"Education is different. There's more concentration on communications and applications versus studying, memorizing facts and taking tests," said Klara. "Teachers are more open to helping you understand the subject matter."

"Here, too, there's greater effort to make learning interesting. There's music, drama, sports; alternatives that help you discover your talents and how to use them," Peter added.

Friendships with classmates are different, they said.

"Hanoi has over 5 million people and our school is very big," said Ava. "There's not too much interaction within the classes. Here you get to mix with students regardless of their class standing. You get to know more people and learn from them all. Everyone has been so nice and friendly."

"I feel students are open to you. They want to get to know you. This gives a feeling of welcome and sense of belonging. It makes you want to learn and understand the language more so communication is easier," Paloma added.

Integrating within host families and participating in American social life have also been a learning process. Peter discovered that "everyone drives everywhere," whereas walking and biking are more his style.

Paloma noticed young Americans get jobs at an early age. In Spain they must wait until they're 18.

All of the students said faith is important to them. They have found that SMC offers many opportunities to strengthen their spiritual lives.

"There's a mix here ... everyone has a faith but different religions. All students participate in our devotion, that's how you learn," Sr. Rochelle said.