For many years, Westerville City Schools has hosted foreign exchange students hailing from practically every part of the globe. Cumulative records were not kept prior to the 2005-2006 school year, but since then, 106 foreign exchange students have walked the hallowed halls of Westerville high schools. This year alone, 14 pupils from various places around the world are soaking up American culture and education. Westerville Central has embraced students from Japan and Finland. At Westerville North, youngsters from Germany, Chile, Sweden and Japan help make up the student body. Westerville South is educating young adults from Palestine, Pakistan, Germany, Turkmenistan, Spain, and Egypt. Each individual comes to Westerville from organizations recognized and approved by the U.S. Department of State as exchange visitor program sponsors (such as Westerville’s two Rotary Clubs,) and stays with host families.
The experience has proven valuable for both the foreign exchange pupils and students and staff in Westerville Schools. Myths are dispelled; friendships are formed; and cultural enlightenment occurs.
Ali Akmal Chaudhry, from Punjab, Pakistan, is studying at Westerville South this year. He came here as a YES (Youth Exchange and Study) scholar for “people who have resolute aims for their lives.” The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. He sees himself as an ambassador of his country. “Many Americans don’t know about Pakistan and are not familiar with Pakistani culture,” he says. He plans to teach his American neighbors and friends to develop thoughts, ideas, opinions and truthful views about his country. “One of my purposes is to clear up misconceptions…I want to express the truth about Pakistan.”
In turn, after what he calls his “excellent experience in the U.S.A.,” Chaudhry plans to return to Pakistan and share what he has learned about American culture.