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| Luisa Alvear - Exchange Student from Colombia |
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November 5, 2009 |
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Luisa Alvear | by Norma Dittman |
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A high school graduate, Luisa Alvear chose to come to the United States for an exchange student experience so that she could learn the English language and open her mind to new experiences. She is enrolled as a senior at Fulda High School. Alvear is from Cali, Colombia, which has a population of 2,068,386. Cali is Colombia's third largest city and is a center for Colombia’s sugar and coffee industry. She is seventeen years of age, and has one brother, Juan, age 22. Her mother is Nora Arteaga, who is employed as a travel agent. Alvear’s father lives in Iceland. Alvear came to the United States through the National Open Door exchange program. “I made application one month before I came to the United States,” Alvear stated. “My brother was so good to help me. It was a long application form that we did in one weekend.” Alvear chose the education experience in the United States over beginning her education at a Colombian University. “I really want to learn English better. This is a good experience that I believe will open my mind. It is good to have new experiences so that you can grow up. They help you learn to be independent,” Alvear stated. In Colombia, the school day is much like the school day at Fulda High School. While Alvear is at Fulda High School, she is studying statistics, English, chemistry, art, American History, and taking a Top Twenty Teens class, which teaches about character assessment, and the secrets to being a successful person. For fun, Alvear likes to practice volleyball, go to a fitness center, and go to movies. Her host family is Diane, Michael, Brittany, and Courtney Hulstein. “I am glad that I have girls to be with. It is good to have the company of my host family. A couple of weekends ago, I got to see the Mall of America when we got together with other exchange students in Minneapolis,” Alvear said. Alvear did play volleyball this fall, and she is joining the FCCLA. “These activities are a start to getting to know more people. “ Alvear arrived in the United States on September 6th. “When I came, I didn’t know the family. Because I had rushed the application, I had only had a chance to email the family two times, so it was quite scary. But, in life, you have to take risks. I flew from Colombia to Miama. Mom flew with me, and we stayed in Miama for five days with friends. That was great fun! Then I flew to Atlanta, Georgia, and then to Sioux Falls, SD. Diane was waiting for me there. We went to a concert, and I cried through the whole concert. I was so tired, and the reality of being here had hit me hard. The next day I got to meet the rest of my host family and it was so nice.” Because the city that Alvear lives in in Colombia is so large, public transportation is a necessity. She is not used to the open spaces that rural Minnesota offers, but she is getting used to it all. “I like this exchange experience. I am enjoying it. When I think about my family in Colomiba, I know that they are there waiting for me to come home again. So that is good. People here are very cool - very friendly. I like being an exchange student because people treat you like you are special. I really like my family here. I have a good family to be with.” Alvear will return home to Colombia in May and will begin her studies at the university. She plans to major in psychology. |
©Fulda Free Press 2010