They are in Belle Fourche. Bullying is not a problem in the high school, they noted, and they also agreed there seems to be equality among the students.
School administrators here are different too. In their experiences administrators are not typically visible or familiar. They praised Principal Raba for consistently being out and about in the hallways. Mr. Raba appreciates all the kids and knows their names.
For these reasons and others, the girls said they felt safe at Belle Fourche High School, “Even though there are more guns in America.” Someone pointed out.
Living in a rural area presents some challenges. Cities have more amenities and more diversity. Teenagers in Europe have public transportation and can more easily attend nearby events or just get together to walk around with friends. There is not so much of that kind of socializing in America.
Host families found transporting their exchange students challenging at times as do all families with teenagers in rural communities. Alexia and Jason Schuldt of Spearfish were Asia’s host parents. They were disappointed that Spearfish did not accept foreign exchange students this year because driving Asia to Belle Fourche and back every day was challenging. Kim and Chris Brill who live in Belle Fourche had a similar response. Chris noted that having an extra driver in the household was a bonus.
Asia is the first foreign exchange student Alexia and Jason have hosted. “It’s been a really, wonderful experience.” Alexia said despite the extra driving, “I would encourage anyone who has extra space to consider hosting.”
Overall, the host families found the experience rewarding and positive. Cyrilla and Keith Schultz in Belle Fourche were host parents for Alina and Sofia.
Although Sofia, Sara, Viktoria, Alina, and Asia are participating in the graduation ceremony, each has more schooling to complete in their home countries before going off to college. Each has ideas about her future. Sofia, talked about becoming a doctor, or maybe going into tourism. Alina is drawn to science and languages, meeting new people, and experienced other cultures. Viktoria wants to study sports management, but she clearly has many interests. Sara sings, plays the violin, and is interested in studying music in college. Asia is open to a variety of possibilities that will open doors for her.
Our conversation covered a lot of other ground too. We talked about dress codes. Like most teenagers anywhere, they found American dress codes, and attention to attendance excessive. Victoria said that in Slovakia, “If you are sick, you are sick. When you get well, you go back to learning.”
We talked about manners, dating, and marriage. The girls reflected on the observations they have made about dating in America. In America, they have observed that there is more competition in dating. In America, they explained, girls seem quick to start dating a friend’s boyfriend when the couple breaks up. In their countries this practice is not acceptable. They explained that dating should be based on respect and the value of friendship. Friendships are import- ant and such behavior would result in an uncomfortable situation.
The girls shared more wisdom about dating and marriage. The argued that girls should know how not to be in a relationship and that they should know how to be sin- gle. They indicated that European girls had more skill in this area, and that 25 to 30 is a suitable time for marriage, but not before.
Our conversation veered to how one applies to become a foreign exchange student and how one ends up in Belle Fourche, SD. Getting here was not inexpensive.
On average, exchange students coming to the USA can expect to pay from $8,000 to $15,000 for a full academic year. This amount typically includes program fees, host family placement, school enrollment, health insurance, and support services. Air fare and some travel in the US are usually included although specific requirements and fees vary depending on the country and exchange agency. As it turns out, choosing a specific state and, or city generally costs between $3,000 to $5,000 above beyond the initial fees. For Sara, Asia, Alina, Viktoria, and Sofia, ending up in Belle Fourche was a matter of happy circumstance.
Each exchange student is required to complete hold a J1 Student Visa. The J1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for foreign nationals coming to the United States to participate in work-and-study-based exchange visitor programs. J1 Visa exchange visitor programs allow participants to work, study, teach, conduct research, or receive training in the USA for a period of a few weeks to a few years.
In terms of exposure to other cultures and the value of friendships, exchange programs offer rich rewards to host communities and exchange students alike. Although time doesn’t stand still, the memories are lasting.
As we were concluding our interview, Alina succinctly articulated the group atmosphere, “We will miss walking into school with our friends. It will be so weird not to be here.”
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
