On June 9, exchange students, Sahand Fescharakifard from Germany and Paula Bludau, a Congress Bundestag Scholarship Recipient from Germany said their farewells at a cookout along with their local coordinator, Jan Ellis, of Zionsville, and their respective host families. Both students reflected on their experience here these past few months.
Sahand played on the JV Lacrosse team in Zionsville this spring. He felt this gave him a great opportunity to meet new friends and experience a completely different sport from what he has done before. He hopes to join a Lacrosse team when he returns to Germany later this month.
“Teachers at Zionsville High School really care to help you learn. As a result, I have learned much more this year than back in Germany,” he said.
Sahand has enjoyed Zionsville so much that he has already purchased a ticket to return for a visit during his fall break this October.
Paola attended Ben Davis High School where she participated in swim team and had a speaking part in the play, Peter Pan, this spring.
Paola’s host family, Rich and Kari Wetter, have really bonded with Paola this semester. She is their third exchange student and they look forward to hosting a girl from Ecuador in August.
Host families complete an online application and are interviewed by one of our local coordinators. Their responsibility is to provide a place to sleep and to study and three meals a day. Students come with their own spending money for school and personal expenses. They are insured through CIEE. Participants are screened for English proficiency and academic success. Interested host families should contact Jan Ellis at [email protected].
