Being an exchange student in Sweden is such an amazing experience, explains Sasha Matovu, a Milford resident now spending her senior year of high school living in the Stockholm, Sweden. Sasha arrived in Sweden in August and went straight to a multi-day language camp where she met 42 other long term exchange students from all over the world. "It was incredible to meet so many people with such different backgrounds," said Sasha. It "opened my mind to the world in ways I hadn't expected."Image: Sasha attends Orientation & Language Camp in Sweden, August 2024
Sasha is enjoying her new life in Sweden. "My host parents, Emma and Gustav, have been nothing but supportive and kind," and they've helped me adjust to Swedish life by practicing Swedish, explaining local customs and traditions, and helping me to understand Swedish history and culture, which, says Sasha, is giving me a deeper appreciation for my host country. In addition to her host parents, Sasha has a host sister who has been very kind and welcoming. "We've already built a close connection." Sasha has a host brother as well -- he is a Rotary exchange student spending his school year in the DC area.Image: Sasha and her host mom, Emma
High school, or as they say in Swedish "gymnasium," can be difficult to adjust to in a new country with a new language. But Sasha is doing well. "School in Stockholm has been such a highlight," she says. The teachers are supportive and the other students are all very welcoming. Sasha explains that she's "learning not just academically," but also how Sweden "approaches education and life."
Sasha is very appreciative of the opportunity to be a Rotary exchange student. Her enthusiasm is clear: "I feel like this exchange has already changed me for the better, and I'm excited to see where the rest of the year takes me." All of us in District 7910 and Milford Rotary Club are excited for Sasha too and wish her a fantastic year.Interested in the D7910 exchange program? Get more info here: https://rotary7910.org/page/2024-youth-exchange