Foreign exchange students in US include Thai 'Boss'

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Photo By Tesa Strasser / The wreath may say "Let it Snow," but these four exchange students from Mexico, Spain , Brazil and Thailand have had enough snow! They are, front form left, Monica Iturrioz and Andre Rivera; back row, Woraphan Rattanaroengchai and Jose Marques.

By TESA STRASSER

The Press-News

Four exchange students, who are spending their holiday season and school year in the United States are sharing their holiday thoughts with the Press-News area.

Monica Iturrioz from Spain, Andre Rivera from Mexico, Jose Marques from Brazil and Woraphan Rattanaroengchai from Thailand are living with families in Canton Township.

Iturrioz lives with Tim and Rosemarie Rexrode. She attended a small Christian School in Spain, so the transition to a larger school was the most intimidating challenge for Monica.

Rivera lives with Karl and Lisa Hookway. She has found the transition to American food to be her biggest challenge as an exchange student. All four students expressed appreciation for their host families with Rivera adding, "They really treat me like their own daughter."

Ellen and Dewey Miller are hosting Marques and Rattanaroengchai. Both of these boys played soccer for the Wildcats this year and truly enjoyed the experience. The language barrier has been their biggest challenge. Marques claims he also misses his family, as do all the students. They are thankful for Skype for communication with their homes. Marques is accustomed to 80-90 degree weather year round and is not too sure about all this cold weather. He shared that his family is currently enjoying the beach at their summer cabin, but being an exchange student is "really cool."

Rattanaroengchai, also know as "Boss," (due to many struggling with the pronunciation of his name) chose to come to the United States when he was offered a scholarship to do so. He said he really likes hamburgers and other American food.

Among the other challenges facing these young people in a new culture is the lack of public transportation. Hopping on the "tram" to go home from school or go to the mall is not an option now-- as it was in their countries.

McDonald's restaurants and Christmas trees are nothing new to these world travelers, but Rivera would normally have a pinata breaking event in her holiday schedule. Mexico and Spain both celebrate Jan. 6 as the day the three kings gave their gifts to Jesus. Traditionally gifts are given to family and friends then, as well as on Christmas.

Spain, Mexico and Brazil celebrate New Years by eating grapes, one for each dong of the clock that brings in the new year. With each of the 12 grapes a wish is given for the new year.

The acceptance and kindness of local students have enriched their stays considerably since arriving in August. High school athletic events is a new phenomenon for them, one they really enjoy!

When the school year is over and these students return to their respective countries it is good to know this area will be remembered fondly.