U-High experienced an influx of international students in the past four weeks as two French exchange students visited from Oct. 16 to Nov. 16th, as part of the Eliad Scholarship Program, and ten German exchange students visited Lab from Oct. 19 to Nov. 4

The Eliad Program is a French program that sends two students from the Antoine de Saint-Exupery school in France to the Lab School. According to the head of the U-High side of the program, Catherine Collet, the process is very competitive and selective as only two students can be selected.

“The Students in France are judged on their linguistic skills –whether or not they can speak english properly–good grades, and good attendance,” Ms. Collet said.

Visiting French student Leila Prudhomme, who was hosted by junior Macy Beal, said she enjoyed her first visit to America and was impressed by Lab School and its culture and students. She was struck by how much smaller Lab classes were than the ones in France and liked how students had more opportunities to interact with their teachers. Leila also said she liked how much spirit the school had at sports events.  

“Lab Students don’t judge and don’t care how you dress, act or learn,” Leila said.

Ten German exchange students from the Ludwig-Thoma Gymnasium in Germany also visited Lab via the German American Partnership Program which is a program sponsored by the German government and the U.S. State Department. Sophomore Graham Waterstraat, enjoyed his first time hosting a student despite the extra work and stress that came with it.

“Being a host was certainly challenging, and it took a pretty significant toll on my stress levels. I definitely wasn’t sleeping enough due to the added responsibilities of hosting. However, I’d say that my experience was a positive one that gave me new insight to German culture,” said Graham.