For junior Cleo Afsar, the past four months have been spent exploring Bay Area landmarks, forming new friendships, and adapting to the “American” way of life.
Afsar, an exchange student from Berlin, Germany, said she has enjoyed the cultural experience this year abroad has offered.
“I think it’s really exciting to be in high school and getting to know other teenagers my age in another country,” Afsar said.
Afsar, who speaks four languages, said that spending time in America has helped her practice her English.
“I want to get to know the language better,” Afsar said.
Another highlight for Afsar, who has been playing basketball for eight years, was joining the varsity girls basketball team.
“It’s just cool to have a team because they share the same experiences,” Afsar said.
Afsar said that she has enjoyed visiting popular Bay Area landmarks with her host family.
“I’ve been to San Francisco. It was nice to see the Golden Gate Bridge,” Afsar said. “I know it’s like a famous site to visit.”
Afsar has enjoyed having the opportunity to experience high school in a new country.
“The high school experience is different from Germany, so it’s exciting,” Afsar said.
