At Spectrum High School, a single school year can turn strangers from across the world into family, sparking connections that last a lifetime.
Hosting foreign exchange students has become a tradition at Spectrum, bringing new cultures into classrooms and homes across Elk River. For the families who host, it is a chance to see life from a new perspective. For the students, it is a chance to experience what it means to be a teenager in the United States.
“We wanted our own kids to experience culture from around the world but also give these students a chance to live life as a teenager in the U.S.,” said an exchange host, Kristen Tuckey.
Adjusting to life in a new country comes with challenges. Some differences are small, but others can take real patience to get used to.
“In Germany we have public transportation. Like we can go everywhere on our own if you don’t have a driver’s license,” said Tamara Gilgenast, an exchange student from Germany. “I always have to rely on other people and it’s not that fun because you always have to ask if they can drive you or just figure out if somebody’s able to drive you.”
Even with the challenges, many moments of culture shock turn into memories that bring everyone closer.
“One of the traditions we learned about our student from Spain on New Year’s Eve, they get 12 grapes, and each second, the last 12 seconds before the countdown, you have to put one grape in your mouth every second,” said Tuckey. “By the time you’re done, you’ve got this mouthful of grapes, and it’s so fun and exciting. We do that every year with our student from Spain, virtually. It’s weird but very fun.”
For the students, American school spirit has been one of the most exciting parts of life here.
“Here it’s very cool that you have high school sports and all the school spirit and going to the football games, to the volleyball games. That is very cool also to get in touch with people from your school,” another exchange student, Sara Adami said.
Those small moments are what help turn a year abroad into something unforgettable.
“We’ve done other stuff like activities like we’ve been to a fall festival, we’ve driven to Iowa,” Gilgenast said.
Even when the year ends, the connections remain strong.
“I think that one of the most amazing things is truly the lifelong opportunity,” Tuckey said. “It’s not just the year that you’re hosting. Most families stay connected.”
At Spectrum, the exchange program shows that connection goes beyond borders. Each year proves that when people open their homes and hearts, a short stay can build memories and friendships that last a lifetime.