French
This year, for the first time ever, Langley High school students will be hosting students all the way from France. The French exchange students will be staying with their host family for two weeks, from April 21 to May 5, to experience a taste of America.
During the week, the French exchange students will be off sightseeing and traveling with their group, but for two days they will visit Langley with their host students. They will also be able to spend time with their host students over the weekend.
French teacher Ms. Rachael Nichols commented on the purpose of the exchange, saying, “The French students are coming to practice their English but I certainly am encouraging all of the Langley students to practice their French too.”
To ensure that Langley students have a French exchange student that is compatible to their likes and interests, Ms. Nichols created a spreadsheet of all of Langley and French students’ likes and tried to figure out where the best overlap was. Then, Langley students were able to pick out themselves who they thought was the best match for them. “I think everybody ended up getting someone that they felt was going to be a perfect match,” she said.
Host student Jessica Donaldson said, “I am so excited about meeting my French exchange student, it’s going to be really fun.”
German
“It’s definitely one of the best experiences I have ever had,” said sophomore Louise Andenmatten, excitedly recalling her days of the German Exchange, a program that has flourished since its introduction to Langley eight years ago. Described by juniors Oliver Zufall and Cori Ritchey as an “overall great” and “truly amazing” experience, the German Exchange has become a point of anticipation for veterans as well as newcomers to the program.
Those who have previously participated in the exchange can attest to the vast amount of cultural immersion, for both the Americans and Germans. “During a four week period, I had to go to school for most of the time, which provided me a more in depth immersion into the German language. This opportunity directly aided my ability to speak German fluently, and with ease,” said junior Kyle Kirkpatrick. “The experience [gave me] valuable insight and knowledge about the German people, and their rich culture.”
Though the benefits of the German Exchange are mainly scholarly, the majority of Langley German students form strong friendships with their exchange partners and have some of the best times of their lives. “I honestly thought the whole thing was amazing, because you never really understand how different America is until you go live like natives do. It was just a really, really great experience,” said junior Cori Ritchey.
Russian
The Russian exchange program, a Langley tradition started by Russian teacher Mr. Valentin “Kapitan” Cukierman in 1990, will continue this spring break. Fifteen excited Langley students will travel to Moscow, Russia, to stay with Russian families. A few weeks later, the Russians will come to the United States, where Langley’s participants will share their homes.
“I’m looking forward to experiencing Russian culture first hand, interacting with the kids, and hopefully making new friends,” said junior Tim Kostelancik.
Mr. Cukierman couldn’t be happier with the continued success of the program. “It’s a very authentic learning experience, and I’m proud to be a part of it,” he said.
In the process of finding their perfect match, Langley’s participants sent the Russians their passports, as well as a little blurb about themselves in Russian. The Russians then got to pick their partners accordingly.
“I got really lucky when it came to getting my exchange student because he contacted me right away and we talk regularly. I feel bad because some of the other kids going on the trip haven’t really heard from theirs yet,” said junior Dylan Zimbrick. “Fortunately enough my Russian partner also speaks flawless English (probably better than me).”
Kapitan has strong faith in the friendships that emerge from this program. “There’s a huge personal aspect, students get to develop relationships that sometimes carry out through even graduation.”
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Photos Courtesy of Mr. Cukierman, Kyle Kirkpatrick, Louise Andenmatten and Oliver Zufall