Exchange students build ties at Goessel
Staff writer
For four foreign exchange students attending Goessel High School, a year abroad has become something closer to family.
Ed Segurado, Emma Wapler, Lara Unger, and Maja Zimmermann have spent the school year attending classes in Goessel while living with host families in the surrounding area, adjusting to a small-community pace and culture.
One of the first surprises was how active the school is despite its size, with a steady stream of sports and activities keeping students involved.
“There are a lot of school activities for a small school,” Wapler said.
Students described a welcoming environment, with classmates and teachers making a consistent effort to check in and offer support.
Adjusting still came with challenges. Long school days, evening activities, and speaking English full-time required time to get used to, especially early in the year.
“Spending all day at school means a lot of socializing,” Wapler said.
Over time, those challenges gave way to stronger connections, particularly within host families.
“My host family told me they loved me,” Wapler said.
The small-community setting, initially unfamiliar, became a defining part of the experience, offering a different view of the U.S. than many expected.
“When you think of the U.S., you think of big cities,” Unger said. “Now I think more about small country areas.”
Cultural exchange extended both directions, from sharing food and traditions to correcting misconceptions, particularly around language.
“Not everybody speaks English just because I do,” Wapler said.
Zimmermann added: “We actually speak German and not English.”
American traditions added another layer. Events like prom and after-prom were new for some students.
As the school year comes to a close, relationships stand out as the most difficult part to leave behind, especially connections with host families, classmates, and teachers.
Host families said the experience had been just as meaningful.
Robyn Hartvickson and Ethan Harris agreed quickly when asked to host Wapler.
“We decided yes almost immediately,” Hartvickson said.
They said the relationship between Wapler and their daughter grew into something lasting.
“It has turned into what will undoubtedly be a lifelong friendship,” she said.
Hosting brought a new perspective into their home and gave their family a chance to experience another culture firsthand, Nathan and Krista Graber said.
“It has been fun having another student in our family,” they said.
For longtime hosts Maynard Knepp and Carol Duerksen, the impact stretches back decades. What began with hosting a student from Sweden in 1989 has grown into a network of international relationships.
“Twenty-six students later, we now have family members in other countries that we visit and who come back to visit us,” they said.
Those connections have also expanded their understanding of agriculture abroad, including biogas production and cooperative farming practices in Europe.
They are now hosting the daughter of a student they hosted more than 30 years ago.
The students are part of Share, an international exchange organization that connects students with host families.
More information about hosting is available at (620) 386-0709 and (800) 941-3738.