Foreign exchange students are often perceived as myths that are only seen in movies. But they exist— at FHS— and are quite involved in this community.
Two of them, juniors from Germany and Italy, are at FHS on a one-year exchange.
Vanessa Scottini comes from a small town in northern Italy and was drawn to exchange programs, particularly those offering the opportunity to live in the U.S., because she had grown up watching American films that sparked her enthusiasm for American culture. When the time came, Scottini consulted foreign exchange agencies that placed her in California and matched her with an exchange family.
“I had to apply to call the agency, doing the documents like the visa or the insurance, and then my parents paid [for the program],” Scottini said. “I could [have picked where to go for exchange], but it would have cost more money, so I didn’t pick for this reason. But, I like it here.”
Alessandra Santo, from Munich, Germany, took a less conventional route when it came to getting set up for exchange by an agency.
“It was never in the cards that I should go [on an exchange trip],” Santo said. “But I went for four weeks to Canada, to my family who lived there, and then I had so much fun that we kind of looked at [the options for exchange], and friends of my parents kind of offered to host me. So I said, ‘Yes, why not?’”
Despite taking different paths to get here, both students agree that the experience has been life-changing. Santo, who was drawn to the U.S. for educational opportunities, expressed how she appreciates the supportive and nurturing environment at FHS.
“The teachers are so nice, and they want you to succeed,” Santo said. “In Germany [it] is more like you do your own thing. If you do bad, that’s on you. If you do great, that’s on you. Nobody cares if you fail. And here it’s like there’s a different kind of mentality towards the students.”
Scottini also found the American education system to be more relaxed, one that allows students to excel academically and while balancing sports — both Santo and Scottini are part of the FHS Track and Field team — and extracurriculars, all while maintaining a social life. But more than the academics, she feels that the overall diverse and open-minded culture has helped her grow.
“It’s more a mindset change,” Scottini said. “I feel comfortable with myself. I don’t have to be with other people all of the time, and I learn how to live in an independent way and without my family, so I get more strong.”
Living in the Bay Area and going to school at FHS has been fulfilling for both students, but they have faced challenges adjusting to cultural differences. Scottini was particularly taken aback by the price of basic goods, such as a $10 bottle of juice, which she found much more expensive than in Italy. On the other hand, Santo expressed her frustration with the lack of public transportation and how it limits her independence, also mentioning how the casual attitude at school can be surprising.
“There’s no public transportation, so that’s a big deal for me, especially because I don’t have a driver’s license, so I can’t go anywhere without asking my parents or anyone else to drive me,” Santo said. “So, I walk. And another thing is that I think sometimes [people] take things a little bit too lightly. Like, so many people come in late [to class], so they could be a little bit more disciplined, but I don’t mind it.”
Both students have also found that the relationships they built at FHS have become a key part of their exchange experience. For Santo, it is the friendships she values the most.
“My favorite things are just the simple days,” Santo said. “Most people would expect me to say Homecoming or anything like that, but those days really don’t stay in my head. Just making friends and connecting with my friends, or just being at Track and Field and Cross Country and having a laugh, like these normal days.”
As they near the end of their exchange year, Santo and Scottini reflect on how their time in the U.S. has shaped them and what they will carry with themselves. From navigating cultural differences to forming lasting friendships, they have gained a deeper understanding of the world beyond their home, also bridging the gap between American and European lifestyles in meaningful ways.
“It’s been like living a movie,” Scottini said.
