This trimester, SVHS is excited to welcome new exchange students all the way from South Korea and Italy! Ahrin Kim and Anna Formisano have come to Wyoming to attend our school and enjoy a unique and fun experience.

In South Korea, the average high school has around 2,313 students. Ahrin shared, “Schools in Korea don’t really have fun classes. Like here, there’s media productions, but in Korea, it’s just math, history, and that’s all.” The core classes in South Korea include math, science, history, English, and foreign language. Physical education is required from 1st to 10th grade, but after that, it becomes optional.

In Italy, the curriculum includes math, science (such as biology, astronomy, and physics), physical education, English, history, and Latin. Education in Italy is highly focused on academics and learning. Anna commented, “I like the way the school is decorated, and the classrooms are all different and so nicely decorated. I also love the big gym because we don’t have [school] gyms like this in Italy.”

The exchange student process works a bit differently. Students don’t actually choose where they go. Instead, they apply, and organizers match them with the best location and host family based on their skills, knowledge of foreign cultures, and potential to strengthen international relationships.

Each year, thousands of students participate in exchange programs in the United States. Over 30,000 exchange students have come to the U.S. this year alone, with most ranging in age from 13 to 18. Star Valley High School is fortunate to host two of these students as they add to our culture with theirs.