International students welcomed in Shelburne

The Shelburne area has welcomed 12 international students this year representing eight different countries.

In the few weeks the students have been here, they have made a solid impression and many friendships have been formed.

Coordinator Ruth West says the international students are quickly fitting in to everyday life at the school and with their host families in the area.

For some of the students as well as language and other challenges to overcome, there was a bit of a culture shock.

“It takes a while to get used to,” said Ilse, of the Netherlands. “Everything here is new to us.”

The majority of the international students this have also come from bustling cities and getting used to a more rural environment has been a challenge and in some cases a pleasant surprise.”

“It is so beautiful and colorful and there are so many trees,” said Sophie, of Germany.

The youngest of the International students, Jorge from Columbia also noted the relaxed atmosphere among people here.

“Everyone says hi,” he said, noting that strangers do not speak to each other in his Columbian town.

This is the fifth year the local school has been involved in the Nova Scotia International Program. The group started their stay in the county with a barbecue at the West’s house and then went on a trip to the Annapolis Valley.

West says she hopes to take the students whale watching, skiing, bowling and curling. As well, the students will visit a tree farm to cut down a Christmas tree, take in a hockey game and visit local museums.

West noted that the school is also excited to be a part of a school to school exchange with a school in Sao Luiz. Brazil. There will be 13 students and two teachers from Brazil who will visit at the end of November for two weeks, attending school and taking part in trips to several communities in the province. In return, SRHS students will have an opportunity to visit Sao Luiz in March.

Any family in the Shelburne or Lockeport area interested in hosting an international student for three months, five months or ten months can contact West at 875-2673 or 875-6740.