A year in a foreign country in a new school with new friends and a new language sounds scary to most people. For White Station’s foreign exchange students, Cecile Kessler from France and Shunichi Haraguchi from Japan, this is a learning experience and a chance to share their cultures.

“I decided to do it when I was thirteen,” said Kessler, who came to America through the Rotary International program. After the application process, students are selected into the program and get to know the other exchange students.

Haraguchi came to America through the Hippo Family Club, an organization that seeks to enrich students by exchanging languages, cultures, and activities.

“My mother said [that I] should go to America,” Haraguchi said. “My mother also went to America for a year when she was in college and she feels it is a good experience.”

The hardest part for both Kessler and Haraguchi was the first few weeks in America.

“I missed everyone and I didn’t know people so it was hard,” said Kessler

“When I came to America, I was so sad,” said Haraguchi, who missed his friends. “It is not a big deal, though, because I made many friends in America.”

Kessler and Haraguchi both realized that American teenagers are much more talkative and outgoing than teenagers from their home countries.

“I think the most different thing is people’s character. American people often ask many questions in the class. Japanese people do not raise their hands and ask questions,” Haraguchi said.

“Everyone comes and talks to you when you are foreign. In France, we mostly stay together. We talk to the foreign exchange students but not [like] here. Here you are more friendly and social,” said Kessler.

For Haraguchi, there are also noticeable differences in the Japanese and American cultures.

“Japanese [people] study hard or read a book or use [a] computer. They are not active. But American people often play soccer or football or talk a lot,” Haraguchi said.

Haraguchi attended the Center for Southern Folklore Music Heritage Festival, and Kessler is very excited for the Beale Street Music Fest in May, which she has heard about from her new friends.

“I listen to Memphis music. I think it is good to listen to Southern music,” said Haraguchi.

Both Haraguchi and Kessler have also gone to a White Station football game. It was an exciting experiencefor the two, who have never been exposed to American football.

Haraguchi is in the Global Awareness club and Japanese club. Kessler is on the cross country team and plans to play lacrosse, both sports that do not exist in France.

Haraguchi said, “I enjoy the American life.”