Foreign language and world civilization studies have long been a part of the American high school curriculum. Currently, Logan County High School students have the opportunity to earn college dual credit through Western Kentucky University in Spanish and Chinese. In the past, the school has hosted groups of Chinese students for weeks as they toured schools across the United States. It has become commonplace to have an international exchange student or two in attendance.
Unique this year is the magnitude of the student exchange program. Whereas in the past one or two students might spend a year studying at LCHS, this year there are 10 study abroad participants at the school.
Student exchange programs provide an opportunity for a mutual understanding of different cultures, and the benefits of the program are two-fold. Exchange students get to see there is more to the United States than New York, Los Angeles, and Disney. They witness first hand our community and schools-- some have expressed surprise and relief American students only go to school five days a week. Different cuisine and American twists of their own traditional foods can be an adventure of their own for these students.
At the same time, hosts and hosting communities are enriched and made better aware of the uniqueness that other cultures have to offer. They are also provided a chance to view their own everyday happenings with fresh eyes.
This year’s group of exchange students represents six countries and three continents. Europe is represented by Italians Emanuele Agresti and Maria Bertusi. Rodrigo Boone Obregon represents North America and Mexico. The majority of guest students are from Asia-- Keito Akamine is from Japan; Duc Do and Tung Nguyen are from Vietnam; Wiwat Juengrueangsit, Passawut Payungveeranoly and Pollapoat Suttimala are from Thailand; and In hwa Na is from South Korea.
LCHS is privileged to be a part of such a global learning opportunity. The chance to learn and share first-hand experiences with different cultures without having to leave Logan County is invaluable. And many of the new friendships that are being created will last a lifetime.