Sheridan High School (SHS) is playing host to seven exchange students this year, representing the countries of Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Chili, and Paraguay.
Five of the exchange students are here all year, and the other two for the first semester. Principal Rick Davis shared that the students are sponsored by three different exchange programs: STSF, CETUSA, and AFS-USA. Davis explained that each host organization is a little different in their specific supports, but all have been interactive, communicative, and supportive.
Jill Woerner of AFS-USA explained that SHS and AFS-USA began their relationship in the spring of 2021 through a new project that AFS-USA was working on with rural schools in conjunction with IU and the Center of Excellence in Leadership and Learning (CELL) called Global Readiness in Indiana Towns (GRIT).
“It was such an easy and positive connection as our project goals were well-aligned with the needs and goals for the school district,” Woerner said.
Principal Davis pointed out the many advantages for SHS to host exchange students, explaining how exchange students bring aspects of their country and culture to students, staff, and the school as a whole. He added that they offer unique, worldly perspectives during class discussions and help grow a “welcoming environment.”
The advantages to the exchange students seem obvious in that they are able to have an American school experience. Sheridan feels that being a small school gives exchange students an even greater advantage as they are able to participate in various activities which might not be possible in much larger districts.
Woerner echoed Davis’ comments, saying, “The AFS students that were part of Sheridan High School last year sincerely loved their time as Blackhawks and they were able to engage in activities that they simply didn’t have in their home countries. They have thoroughly enjoyed the homecoming experience.”
The students themselves agreed that extracurricular activities are very positive. Several students added that they are looking forward to the prom.
Tim Beal with STSF added, “Things we take for granted and seem ordinary, come alive when experienced through the eyes of an exchange student.”
When asked about how teachers respond to exchange students, Davis said, “Our teachers are fantastic. They welcome the exchange students and work to make sure they are supported as they do occasionally have to overcome language barriers. The SHS teachers enjoy having the perspective of students from beyond the borders of Sheridan, Indiana, and the USA in their class discussions. The staff also enjoys learning about the culture and schooling that takes place in the exchange students’ home country.”
Beal added, “STSF students report the teachers are supportive and the community is excited to hear about their experiences.”
Davis credited host families for welcoming the students into their homes. One host family is hosting two exchange students. Three host families have other students in the high school. One host family lives out of the school district but looked to Sheridan since their home district declined hosting any exchange students this year.
Davis commented that home students love having exchange students, and that since COVID, they have been looking to increase the number of exchange students because of the many advantages. Although the school shared some information about hosting exchange students in newsletters and flyers, Davis explained that the majority of the promotion comes through the exchange programs themselves and word of mouth.
To get more information about becoming a host family for AFS-USA, go to afsusa.org. There you can also begin the application process. The AFS-USA local volunteer team can offer invitations to events with the current students so prospective host families can get to know everyone and decide how they’d like to be involved.
“Families of all shapes and sizes are welcome to apply to host from single parents, childless couples, empty nesters, families with little children and more,” Woerner said.
Information for hosting through STS Foundation can be obtained by contacting Tim Beal at ststimb@gmail.com, calling (317) 440-5170, or visiting stsfoundation.org/about-us.