What is it like to be an exchange student?
Stepping off the plane and into a whole new life, foreign exchange students Gozel Bashimova and Amelie Ferre arrived in Farmington, Missouri, ready to spend their whole academic year exploring a new culture. While the initial excitement remains, the transition to everyday life in the U.S. has brought an unseen challenge: cultural shock. This year, both 18-year-old students are navigating the unexpected hurdles of new customs, language, and community as they adjust to their life abroad.
For 18-year-old Gozel Bashimova from Turkmenistan, coming to the U.S. fulfilled a significant personal goal. Gozel chose the program to explore an entire new culture and gain fluency in English.
"To be here is the realization of my deepest aspiration, a true and extraordinary chance,”Gozel said.
She credits her family for providing the support necessary for her to undertake the challenging program. Gozel’s enthusiasm establishes the high motivation behind the students’ decision to participate and face the inevitable cultural shifts required to attend Farmington High School.
Equally committed to the experience is 18-year-old Amelie Ferre from France, who prepared for nearly a year to join the exchange program. Amelie emphasized the role of her host fami;y helping her adapt quickly.
“My host family helped me to learn American culture by making me live the life of a U.S. citizen”, Amelie started, adding that she feels comfortable and assimilated with them.
However, the differences in daily life have been notable. Amelie found teenagers ”really different compared to France”, describing them as “really welcoming but a lot more superficial.” She also pointed out the distinction in fashion. “The thing that shocked me the most is probably the style of clothes; we put more effort in France," Amelie explained.
Despite their different home countries, both students share the experience of adapting to the American educational system.Ferre specifically noted the shift in structure.
“The school is very different here. We finish a way earlier, there are a lot more classes and it is less strict and easier,” said Ferre.
As they continue their full academic year in Farmington, the two students maintain a positive outlook on their shared journey. Their common goal remains to return home with a stronger grasp of English and a richer understanding of American culture, an experience Gozel encourages others to seek out.
‘Its is really interesting to discover a new life.”’
