As the 2023-2024 school year commences, Bloomington South welcomes many new students, though they aren’t just freshmen. This year, a significant number of foreign exchange students are living in Bloomington, and many have quickly adapted to their new surroundings. Students from across the world have arrived, and will experience South’s unique culture, while representing theirs.
Sophomore Ana Guirado, an exchange student from Spain, is enjoying her new learning environment and classmates. “Everyone is kind to me, and [our] classmates treat us well,” said Guirado. “Our teachers are also very polite with us.” Additionally, Guirado is considering joining South’s cheer team, as she wants to make time for more activities outside of school. She mentioned her interest in many more activities, though wants to adapt to her new schedule first.
More students have already pursued extracurricular interests. Sophomore Lia Reina, another Spanish exchange program member, has recently joined South’s girls’ tennis team. When describing her experience, Reina said that “playing after school is very hard, but it’s worth it.”
Similarly, junior Janne Blessmann, a German exchange student, is practicing with and playing for a South athletic club: the boys’ soccer team. “I really enjoy the team this year,” Blessmann said. “Everyone was very nice and welcoming with me, and the team’s competition is very good this year.” While Blessmann enjoys his time playing soccer, he views his in-school peers as “very respectful and accepting” of him. He also appreciates the “extremely relaxing” aspect of South’s culture, as opposed to his school in Germany.
