From the snow capped Alps, to the red dirt roads, exchange student Céline Haller came to small town Stephenville, Texas for an experience she’ll never forget.

   Céline travels to Texas from Switzerland on an exchange program to become an American high school student for the year. So far, she’s enjoyed her year at SHS, and has a lot to say when it comes to school life in Texas versus Switzerland.

   Céline and I are seated in the center of the stage of the high school auditorium for our interview. We start off discussing her school life in Switzerland.

   “To be honest, school here (in Texas) is so much easier. We don’t have the same schedule everyday at home and, we cannot choose our classes. All we take are core classes like chemistry, physics, biology, and we stay in the same classroom. We don’t have extracurricular activities or school sports.”

   Haller explains that the relationship between students and teachers is very different than here;They aren’t personal with each other.

   “The one thing I really enjoy about school here is the teacher-student relationships! Everyone is so close.”

   Swiss students have it hard when it comes to school work. Their classes are structured in a different way than American classes.

   “We don’t take quizzes, however our tests and classes are much more difficult back home.”

   Haller opened up to me and explained why she wanted to become an exchange student.

   “It’s been my dream for a long time… I’ve wanted to explore the world on my own.”

   Haller lives with Tyler Schouten, a sophomore, and his family. Haller loves her host family, and she is very grateful for their hospitality towards her.

   “Tyler is just like my little brother, I’m so grateful for him.”

   As Céline Haller ends her year with us, she’s exposed to a different lifestyle and culture she’ll never forget, along with the many friends and memories made with her short time being a Texan.

   “Making new friends and meeting new people has been the best thing for me.”