Do you know what exchange students are? An exchange student is a student from one country who studies for a temporary period (like a semester or school year) at an educational institution in another country through a formal program. We have our very own right here at Tumwater!
They were interviewed so people could see how they have enjoyed their time here at THS, and in Washington!
Valerie Flatau (Germany):
Valerie’s favorite activities she has participated in so far are going to multiple rodeos with her host family!
Another runner-up to that was our homecoming of 2025. Back in Germany, her school did not have homecoming or tolo, only senior prom, so she had a lot of fun at her first dance here at Tumwater!
She responded to me asking her what she likes about being an exchange student at Tumwater with…
“I love everything about it!” Especially including all the new friends she has made along the way.
But Valerie said that she really misses her best friend and mom back at home when asked what she missed.
Lorenzo Gaggiotti (Ancona, Italy) :
His time here at Tumwater has been really good so far! Lorenzo said he loves America a lot.
One of his favorite extracurricular activities he has participated in was a Football home game, and the reason is because of our Tumwater spirit that we show every single game!
But a lot of things are different here compared to back home. When asked what the biggest one was, he said…
“The biggest change for me was the school system because the teachers rotate classrooms instead of the students, and we attend school on Saturday. ”
Another difference he highlighted was the food! It’s one of the biggest things he misses from Italy.
Arin Enerson (Oslo, Norway):
It’s been really fun for Arin to be at Tumwater High School since he decided to be an exchange student!
Arin’s top experience since coming here had to be the Seattle Seahawks game he attended. He said, ” It was very good and fun!”
The thing that was most different for him when he came to stay in the U.S. was the food, he felt it was very different here!
Arin’s response to being asked what he missed the most back home in Germany was, “My friends are what I miss the most.” But he’s having a good time with all the friends he has made here so far.
Getting to know Valerie, Lorenzo, and Arin has given us a glimpse into how exciting and sometimes challenging it can be to experience life in a new country. Each of them has seen Tumwater’s traditions, made lasting friendships, and has a great time here. We’re so glad they’ve chosen to spend part of their journey here at THS, and we hope their time in Washington continues to be full of great memories and new adventures!
Maybe you should consider schooling in another country?
Will do a part 2 in the future!
