By Aimee Bisbee
ROGERS, ARK. —Two scholars at Haas Hall Rogers are preparing for the experience of a lifetime as they anticipate their study abroad program for the 2024-2025 school year.
Sophomore scholar and Rotary Club exchange program candidate to Denmark, Alexa Chop gave insight into her decision to go abroad, “I want to go to college abroad; it’s always been an interest of mine to go out and not just stay in the States, so it kinda just presented itself.”
Chaise Schillinger a 10th-grade scholar, and exchange program candidate to Japan, cites his decision on the academic achievements of his host country, “Well, the academic promises of the country…It has an incredibly promising technology field.”
Before they can experience the education offered by their host countries, both scholars need to first become proficient in the local language. Schillinger explains, “I will have to learn their language [Japanese,] and so far, it has gone pretty alright. I’ve done some self-learning, and the actual program I’m doing the exchange with is going to offer me some special language courses over the summer.”
Currently, Schillinger is practicing three to four hours a week. In addition, he has been taking extreme measures to ensure he reaches his language goals. Schillinger elaborates, “Well… I’ve been restraining myself from using English…I have times at home alone where I’ll just stop all things in English, and just translate everything around me to Japanese. It just helps me.”
The excitement of experiencing a new culture is something both scholars share. Chop explains, “I really like the Scandinavian countries’ culture. Their cultures are very interesting, and a big part of this is learning the culture of another country.” She continues, “I am going to stay with 3 families while I’m there. Each family is in the same school district, and so I’m going to stay in the same school…I’ll live with one family for three months- one family for three months- and a third family for three months…So I can experience the culture of different households.”
Schillinger described his feelings on the matter, “I’m very excited to meet all of the Japanese people…I can’t wait to taste their food [and] experience their humor. It’s just going to be an absolute cultural shock to me.”
As a part of the program, the scholars will be bringing a part of their culture to their host countries. Chop stated, “I’m preparing a meal…So you bring an American meal over and somebody brings their traditional meal over…It’s a lot of exchanging cultures.” Chop later states that the meal she plans to make for her host families is Philly Cheesesteaks, as she believes it is representative of American culture.
This cultural exchange won’t just be for those going abroad; exchange students from around the world plan to come to Haas Hall for the 2024-2025 school year, so those at home will be able to learn about a new culture as well. Chop explains, “Not specifically from Denmark, but a student from around the world, depending on where they get stationed, [will attend Haas Hall].”
Though rewarding, spending a year in a foreign country can be intimidating. Schillinger elaborated, “I am actually scared of that first month…I won’t be allowed to contact [my family]…because I can’t consume any kind of English media for the first month.” He continues, “I’m anticipating it though.”
As for what she will miss the most, Chop states, “Probably my family and my dogs.”
Both students will leave for their programs early this summer; when they return the following year, they hope to bring back not only new memories but new ideas and perspectives as well.
