Dutch exchange student embracing CF traditions

One conversation can change the course of a person’s life forever. For Dutch exchange student Roy Van Diepen, that conversation was one with his friend back home, Floor Schuit, that would eventually lead him on a trip across the Atlantic Ocean to Cedar Falls. 

Van Diepen said Schuit encouraged him to try studying abroad, “She was like my inspiration.” 

Additionally, Van Diepen said that American media and culture also influenced his decision. “Just the movies, and the experience, I love it. The people are really nice here, so that’s great.” 

Although he hasn’t struggled much with homesickness or culture shock, he did note that American food has definitely taken some getting used to. “I don’t really like fast food, and the bread is gross.” 

Ultimately, though, Van Diepen has enjoyed his experience in the States. He’s found a lot of things to look forward to. “Homecoming, also Christmas, Halloween. The holidays, especially.” 

One of van Diepen’s host parents, Bettina Fabos, noted that hosting an exchange student has also been very educational for her and husband Chris Martin. “We have already learned so much from Roy, about Dutch culture and, through his many astute observations of life in Cedar Falls, about our own culture. He took on cheerleading, so we went to a CFHS football game we would otherwise not attend. We are learning about new trends in high school five years after our own daughters went through the school.” 

Fabos has hosted two exchange students (from Hungary and Taiwan) before with Martin, and said that she would “100 percent recommend” studying abroad. “Even seeing how they take out trash in other cultures is illuminating. These impressions can change your life forever in the most positive ways.” 

She also described van Diepen as “a complete gem of a human being,” noting that his well-adjustedness has made hosting him in the United States very easy. “He’s wonderful, and fully embracing all aspects of American culture. [He’s] a complete joy to be around.”