April 2, 2008 – About 20 foreign exchange students from around the world visited North Colonie, March 13-16, as part of an AFS international weekend hosted by Shaker High School.

The visiting students, from Austria, Belguim, Brazil, Costa Rica, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Philippines, Spain and Turkey, are currently living in the United States with host families, attending area high schools full-time as part of AFS, a worldwide, non-profit student exchange program.

“The AFS program was designed to unite students and teachers within the community,” said Foreign Language Supervisor Galina Kats. “It allows both American and foreign exchange students to share their diverse cultural experiences, heritages and languages.”

Exchange students stayed with North Colonie host families for the long weekend and participated in a number of activities, including laser tag, ice skating and bowling. They also visited classrooms to discuss their home countries and cultures.

Irina Bryksin said the school system is much different in Germany than in the United States.

“We have some clubs, but not like here,” she said.

Bryksin also mentioned several other differences between the two school systems. Her home school doesn’t have lockers, lunch, school sports or as large a selection of elective courses.

However, they learn a lot of languages—Bryksin is fluent in five.

Many of the exchange students were surprised to learn that the stereotypes they heard about Americans were untrue.

“People in my country think all Americans are very tall—like basketball players,” said Togawa.

“A lot of people think Americans are arrogant,” said Brksin.

Despite their preconceived notions, the exchange students seemed to agree that the people they’ve met are quite personable.

“Everyone is very friendly,” said Togawa. “I like being here a lot.”

In addition to providing exchange students with an opportunity to learn more about American culture and people, the international weekend allowed North Colonie students and members of the community to learn more about foreign cultures as well.

“Meeting the exchange students was really fun,” said a Shaker High School student. “It was great to learn how similar our lives are, but at the same time how different.”

“It was good to just talk and interact with the students,” said another Shaker High School student. “It offered very good insight into the lives of teenagers across the globe.”

North Colonie Central School District families interested in hosting an AFS student for a school year are encouraged to contact Galina Kats or Lisa Morgan at 785-5511.