Columbians learn all about Canadian life

By Bailey Thompson

Imagine travelling to a foreign country where no one knows you.

You have to overcome a language barrier and at the same time, get to it because there's only a month to enjoy. Now, imagine that when you're between the ages of 13 and 16.

On Saturday September 26th, a group of 19 Columbian students arrived in Toronto after a long seven-hour flight. They were excited and nervous as they waited to meet their host families who they would be staying with for one month. Two days after arriving, most were sent to Innisdale Secondary School to see what it was like to go to a Canadian high school.

This is where I come in. On Monday morning, I arrived at Innisdale earlier than usual to meet with the exchange student who I'd been paired with. From there I was expected to show her around the school and most importantly, become her friend. For me, this was a pretty simple task. She was very friendly and after the first week, she referred to me as her Canadian best friend. Not only was she a friend to me, she also introduced me to some of her other Columbian friends, whom I'd also become friends with.

Fortunately, she knew English quite well. So the language barrier wasn't as bad as I expected. Their greeting, however, was a hug and kiss. This was different from what I normally did and it took some getting used to. But before long, I'd mastered not knocking my head with hers when I greeted her.

The month went much faster than I would have liked and before long we were faced with their last day here. This was a day expected to be one of great sadness, however, it turned out to be one of the most fun. We spent the school day taking pictures and after school, at 7:30 p.m., all the exchange students and their leaders were invited to a dance, set up by Red Leaf, the company that organized the trip. The dance alone was also a very interesting experience.

From seeing the amazing dancing they have, to listening to the music they listen to in Columbia, it was very different than I am used to.

At the end, it came time to say good-bye.

Without much sadness, we said good-bye knowing they would be back. Since, when asked if they would come back to Canada, most answered with enthusiastic approval.

Innisdale isn't the only school with exchange students. According to International Student Exchange Ontario (ISE), another exchange program, many other schools in Simcoe County also have students travelling internationally for the experience. With ISE, Nantyr Shores Secondary School had students from Spain, while Eastview entertained students from Germany. Other countries such as France and Belgium are also participating and have left the county in the last three weeks for home.

Whether it's for a month or even a year, I can confidently say this is amazing and beneficial experience. Not just for the students from other countries, but also for the students in the county hosting and getting to know these exchange students.

I stayed here, but still enjoyed the experience.