Exchange students share traditions they’d love CF community to experience

Home is where your heart is, and the 2026-2027 foreign exchange students have extended the reach of their homes all the way from Germany and France. Each of them shares a tradition they wish they could share with everyone at the high school.

Senior Lina Keil is a 15-year-old exchange student who came to America because it’s been her dream since seventh grade. She worked at her local creamery in Lambsheim, Germany, for over a year to save money for the trip. She wanted to experience a different culture and specifically the food.

Keil said, “My tradition I want to bring to America is wurstmarkt; it’s so cool because it is the biggest wine festival in Germany.”

Senior Gabriel Baumann is a 16-year-old exchange student who originally lived in Germany but moved to France not long before his exchange year. He speaks fluent French, English, and German. He came to America for fun; he just wanted a different experience. 

Baumann said, “I would say I miss going to the bakery every morning to get fresh bread and having long family dinners; that’s something I would like to take with me if I could.” 

Senior Talijana Paschke is a 16-year-old exchange student who came to America specifically for the culture. She said the food and the high school football games pulled her to America specifically, and the people here were just a bonus. 

Paschke said, “One tradition I would bring to America from Germany is celebrating St. Nicholas Day on Dec. 6. Children put their boots outside their doors the night before, and St. Nicholas fills them with chocolate, candy and small gifts. I think it is a cute tradition that brings families together and makes the Christmas season even more special.” 

Senior Jeanne Bechtel is a 17-year-old exchange student who came to America because it looks great on college applications. She wanted different schooling techniques and to learn more about another culture. 

Bechtel said, “I would bring the Fete de la Musique to America. Every June 21, people enjoy free concerts in the streets. I love this tradition because it brings everyone together and creates a fun atmosphere.”

What would you bring if you did an exchange year? These foreign exchange students give us responses about the biggest tradition they want to bring to life in America.