Bruno Urquiaga Muraweicki, 12

What is your home country? “Spain.”

Why spend a year in America? “For the experience, having fun, also [to learn] English.”

What have you heard about American schools? “That they’re very fun, [and have] good food and funny teachers.”

What is the biggest cultural difference? “The food, the time you have dinner. It’s at 10 p.m. [in Spain].”

What do you hope to learn? “English. Also, how the people are.”

Filippa Lundgren, 12

What is your home country? “Sweden.”

Why spend a year in America? “I want to learn English on a new level.”

What have you heard about American schools? “I’ve heard good things and bad things. All the good things are prom, the high school spirit and everyone is being so open and nice.”

What is the biggest cultural difference?  “My school in Sweden doesn’t have any school spirit, and we don’t have a mascot. It’s super sad. It’s so much more work-related, it’s kind of like I’m working a job or something.”

What do you hope to learn? “I hope to learn more about American history.”

Joaquin Sanchez-Prieto, 12

What is your home country? “Spain.”

Why spend a year in America? “My mother did it when she was younger. She sent me to do it.”

What have you heard about American schools? “That they are so big, and it’s true.”

What is the biggest cultural difference?  “People do whatever they want.”

What do you hope to learn? “I want to improve my English, and I want to have fun.”

Chiara Cristafulli, 11

What is your home country? “Switzerland.”

Why spend a year in America? “Switzerland is so bad; the school’s so hard. The U.S. is just like in the movies.”

What have you heard about American schools? “It’s easier and just so welcoming. Everyone’s nice.”

What is the biggest cultural difference?  “The people are just so open. There’s so many clubs, activities [and] classes.”

What do you hope to learn? “Get to know new people, new culture, fast food because we don’t have that.”