By Harrison Mayesh
Staff Writer
From chilly Austria, to sunny California, twenty students from Sacre Coeur Pressbaum School are living with Mira Costa students for two weeks to practice the English language, observe the American School System, and visit famous Los Angeles landmarks.
The group of twenty Austrian students isn’t associated with any organization, but Sabine Huemer, a former student from Austria that now lives in the South Bay, organized this exchange program with Mira Costa. As a student, Huemer was an exchange student in England and Canada and believes these programs benefit students, which has inspired her to organize these exchange programs for over fifteen years.
“I personally benefitted from stays in England and Canada while I grew up in Austria. It opened up my horizons, learning about other cultures and traditions let’s you see that your perspective and way of doing things is not the only way.” Huemer said.
Junior Franziska Mortizer is part of the Austrian exchange program at Costa. For two weeks she has practiced her English and seen how American families live. Through her experience with her host family, she’s learned about American culture and home life. According to Mortizer, she enjoyed America and how welcoming the students at Costa are.
“I saw Los Angeles and I practiced my English. It was interesting to see how Katie’s family lived and I learned a lot about the American culture from Katie and her mom.” Mortizer said.
Mortizer was living with Costa sophomore Katie Harfouch for the past two weeks. According to Mortizer, not only did the Harfouch family teach her about the American culture, they taught her valuable things she can bring back with her to Austria. Harfouch and Mortizer have gotten really close during these two short weeks. They have a lot things in common which makes it easier to get along.
“I’ve always wanted a sister so I definitely like having Franziska live with me. We are really close and very comfortable around each other. Franziska who is used to having a room to herself, was a little bit unsure about what sharing a would be like, but now, we are really close and very comfortable around each other.” Harfouch said.
Junior Marlene Schmoranzer is also part of the exchange program. Since there are no beaches in Austria Schmoranzer has been going to the beach almost everyday soaking up the sun while she can. Schmoranzer has enjoyed living life in a beach town and her exposure to the beach culture of Manhattan Beach. According to Huemer, the program is meant to help Austrian students practice English. Within two weeks, Schmoranzer believes she has improved.
“I love the sun and the beach. There are no beaches in Europe as nice as here. I think my English has improved. I’ve learned there is a big difference between Europe and America.” Schmoranzer said.
Costa sophomore Camilia Rowshawn and her family are hosting Schmoranzer in their home for the next two weeks while she practice English, experience the American school system, and visit Los Angeles attractions. According to Rowshawn not only was it a great experience for Schmoranzer it was an amazing experience for Rowshawn to live and bond with someone from another country according to Rowshawn.
“It was a great experience having Marlene live with me because we became very close and I learned a lot about Austria including that skiing is very popular and the school system is completely different. It was very nice to have another person in the house, and I’m going to miss her when she returns to Austria.” Rowshawn said.
Junior Isabella Schwarzer is also part of the Austrian exchange program. She has learned to do many new things while staying in America, her favorite of which is how to make household food. She looks forward to bringing these recipes back to Austria.
“I’ve learned how to make guacamole, and I’m definitely making it when I get home.” Schwarzer said.
Overall, the Austrian foreign exchange students got a chance to practice their English, learn and experience the American School System, and visit famous places that Los Angeles is best known for. According to Schmoranzer the foreign exchange students got to experience the beach life that many of Costa students experience everyday and made memories that will last a life time.
“I really enjoyed this experience. It was really nice having another person in the house and she taught me more about Austrian culture. I would definitely do it again.” Rowshawn said.
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