ASSIST is an international student exchange program that matches academically talented, multilingual international students with independent schools throughout the United States. Sophomores Mina Kim and Janis Dauksts both came to KO through the ASSIST program and have plenty to share about their experience in the program, as well as their experiences being international students in general.
Mina is originally from Germany, and so far she described her experience with the ASSIST program as a really positive one. Originally, Mina hoped to be placed at a boarding school, but since coming to KO and being placed with an amazing host family, she is happy that she ended up here. “The culture here is so different, and people here are really open to foreign exchange students,” Mina said. She added the KO community’s interest in getting to know more about her and her culture has made her feel as though she really belongs. To her, it’s bittersweet because she knows that she will miss all of the relationships she’s made this year.
Like Mina, Janis, a student from Austria, has thoroughly enjoyed his time at KO through ASSIST. Prior to arriving in the states, Janis had many expectations about coming to America. “I came here thinking it was going to be just like the movies and in some ways it was, but in many ways it wasn’t,” he said.
Janis was a little nervous about coming to KO because he was the new kid and an international student. Once here, he joined the football team which helped him adjust to life in America and introduced him to many of his close friends. Looking back on the fall, Janis described how much he loved being a part of the football team and says that it has been one of the best experiences he’s had while living here. Although he will miss seeing the new friends he’s made, Janis shared that he is happy another student will have this life-changing opportunity next year.
Both Janis and Mina have loved being at KO as international students through the ASSIST program. Even though they are only with us for the year, the memories that KO shares with Mina and Janis will last a lifetime.
