We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding exchange students who has truly embodied the spirit of learning, growth, and cultural exchange. Meet Iga, our esteemed Student of the Month for March 2024! Originally from Poland, this FLEX Program student has embraced new experiences, fostered cross-cultural connections, and left a lasting impact on her host family and community in Georgia. Join us as we delve into Iga’s journey, celebrating her achievements, and reflect on the profound impact of hosting an exchange student.
Learn more about Iga and why she was nominated to be the March 2024 Student of the Month:
Iga has put forth consistent effort and seen a ton of success in sharing her culture. She created two presentations for International Education Week (IEW) and shared treats from her home country with students of different ages. For example, when presenting to younger kids she customized her presentation and the children loved hearing what the animals said in Poland. Iga also sought out a local Polish fundraiser and pierogi festival and made sure to share the invitation to her local group of exchange students. During a host family trip to Washington, D.C. she learned about our government and educated her host family on recent Polish elections and how they differ from ours. She takes the time to share world views and how the people felt about governmental changes on a person to person level.
Iga loves sharing her culture through food and has found fun and unique ways to do that in her host community. She has excelled in her cooking class in school, and was handpicked by her culinary teacher to volunteer at the school’s student-run food truck. She also volunteered in a culinary class for younger children to help them prepare, plate, and enjoy a coursed menu! One of Iga’s most impressive volunteer experiences was cooking and sharing pierogi, Polish salad and gyros with her host community’s police department. She’s always up for volunteering whether it be at her high school’s cooking club, volunteering in the local elementary schools, or helping deliver mail to neighbors. So far, she has completed over 60 hours of service, with plans for much more this spring.
Iga is adventurous and outgoing. She decided to compete in a brand new sport when it was mentioned that the dive team needed more members. She eagerly volunteered even though she had never tried it before. She went to practices, stayed late, and even made it to the county competition. Her dedication to her teammates and herself was inspiring. She is a wonderful example for the FLEX program and role model for the positive impact an exchange student can have.
In Iga’s Own Words
Why did you want to do an exchange year in the United States?
“Ever since I was younger I’ve always loved the American culture and wanted to experience it first hand. I also always loved the idea of having a second family and home.”
Tell us about your host family and why you appreciate them.
“My host family consists of my host mom (Elizabeth), my host dad (Brian), and my host siblings (Liam and Elaina). My host mom is like my best friend here. We spend a lot of time together and I always feel like I can come to her with any issue. My host dad never fails to make me laugh with his bad jokes. My host siblings treated me like their own since life since day one. They’re not afraid to be silly and love playing games together – whether it’s tag or Uno they’re always up for playing. Ever since I met them, even before I arrived in the US I have felt comfortable and part of the family. They make me laugh when I feel sad, take me on adventures both close and far, and help me learn about American culture in everyday life. They’re truly my second family.”
What have you learned about American culture and how have you shared your culture with Americans?
“I’ve learned that a lot of opinions that Europeans have about Americans aren’t true – despite what Europeans think a lot of Americans are well-educated about the world. Another part of American culture I got to see and love was the diversity in the US – not only racial but sexuality too. The US is a mix of many cultures that people aren’t afraid to share and throughout this year I have loved seeing them. I’ve also got to explore American culture through food. I got to eat at many local restaurants, try homemade meals, and try all the snacks I’d grown up seeing. Food was also the main way I got to share my culture with Americans. I cooked traditional Polish dishes for my host family and not only. I made dishes for my friends and even for the local police station. I celebrated Polish holidays like ‘Tłusty Czwartek’ both at school and with my host family. I also made presentations about Poland at my school and my local elementary school.”
Did you know you can host an exchange student like Iga?
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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