What a joy it is to highlight one of our outstanding high school exchange students who has embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet Mathilda, our esteemed Student of the Month for October 2025!
Originally from Germany, this exchange student has embraced new experiences, fostered cross-cultural connections, and has left a lasting impact on her host family and community in Florida. Join us as we dive into Mathilda’s journey, celebrate her achievements, and reflect on the profound impact of hosting an exchange student.
Learn more about why Mathilda was nominated to be the October 2025 Student of the Month:
“From the moment Mathilda arrived from Germany, she’s treated her exchange year like a full-on adventure filled with curiosity, courage, and plenty of laughter. She came ready to learn, explore, and throw herself into every new experience that came her way.
Mathilda started her journey with a bang, joining her host dad Liam at a Toastmasters International meeting during her very first week in the U.S. She didn’t just attend, she jumped right in and gave an impromptu speech that won her an award for Best Speaker of the Night. That moment set the tone for everything that followed: brave, funny, and completely herself.
She’s kept that energy going all year. Mathilda balanced schoolwork while traveling to Texas and California, proving she can explore the country and stay on top of her studies. She’s joined multiple clubs, including the Big Sister Club, where she mentors younger students and helps build a stronger, more connected school community.
She’s also made it her personal mission to try every American sport possible. Whether it was soccer, volleyball, crew, or softball, she dove in with a smile, laughing through the confusion and celebrating every small win. She once said baseball “really should come with subtitles,” and she wasn’t wrong.
During Spirit Week, Mathilda transformed her classroom into ‘Mini-Germany,’ complete with homemade pretzels, trivia, and hilarious cultural comparisons. She made learning about Germany fun and meaningful, helping her classmates understand that what makes us different actually brings us closer.
Her involvement extends beyond the classroom too. She volunteered to help decorate for homecoming, pitched in at local community events, and brought the same positive spirit wherever she went. Whether she’s lending a hand, cheering on friends, or sharing her favorite German snacks, she brightens every room she’s in.
At home, Mathilda has fully embraced American life, from surviving Florida humidity to trying every new Crumbl cookie flavor. But she’s also made sure to stay connected to her roots, starting a new family tradition of Sunday schnitzel dinners complete with imported curry ketchup. She’s taught her host family as much about Germany as they’ve taught her about Florida.
Her teachers call her driven and kind, her classmates say she’s fearless and funny, and her host family just calls her family. Mathilda didn’t just experience American life, she enhanced it for everyone around her. She’s proof that laughter, curiosity, and an open heart can turn an exchange year into something unforgettable.” – Mathilda’s Host Father
Did you know you can host an exchange student like Mathilda?
Host families from across the United States come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’d like to host for a full school year, a semester, or just for a few weeks as Welcome Family, you can make an impact on an exchange student’s life by hosting!
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