A group of 19 foreign exchange students from Korea visited Madison High School at the end of January. Photo contributed
A group of 19 foreign exchange students from Korea visited Madison High School at the end of January. The Korean students were paired with an American student, and host family, with the intention of broadening their understanding of school life and culture in America.
The student visitors spent three school days attending school alongside their peer host. During each school day, the foreign exchange students attended classes with their student host and had the opportunity to participate in academic, social and cultural experiences that are consistent with the American school day. One activity for them was to join the Gourmet Foods class to learn how to make chocolate chip cookies. The Student Government spent a class period with the exchange students to highlight what it means to be part of the student leadership team in the school. During this class period, the SGA also hosted a taste-testing of some stereotypical American food, such as peanut butter and jelly, Oreos and Cheetos. Madison Best Buddies Club hosted a game of balloon volleyball with the exchange students.
The exchange students also attended a Varsity Girls Basketball game as a way to be able to experience and observe extra-curricular activities that are available to the American Students. During the closing ceremony for the program, attended by host families and students as well as Mr. Park, from the Korean Embassy and former FCPS School Board member, Mr. Moon, the Korean students conveyed their admiration for the experiences that the Madison community shared with them as well as their appreciation for the difference in the school culture between the American and Korean schools.