Meet South’s foreign exchange students

Syed Tahir is a recent arrival to South. He is from Pakistan and just arrived in Missouri on Sept. 10. He said he decided he wanted to become a foreign exchange student a year ago. "I'm having a great time in Missouri. I'm visiting many places, trying new foods, and discovering new things," he said. He said his advice for students looking to travel to the United States is "it's a great opportunity...

Pei-Yen Chen, from Taiwan, said she was excited when she found out she was going to be a foreign exchange student. Her advice for people thinking about becoming a foreign exchange student: "Don't be shy and ask questions." Chen said she is unsure what activities she wants to be involved in, but she is most certainly enjoying her experience here.

Mabel Reckziegel Marques, from Brazil, came to America with her mind already set on what she wanted to do. She wanted the American experience, and was hoping to go to Georgia, because she has family there. Before coming to America she said she wasn't nervous but when she actually arrived all of the emotions started to pour out. Reckziegel said she initially was worried because she noticed that everyone...

Seoyoun Won, from South Korea, plans on getting involved in the cheerleading program. She says, “I’m excited because in Korea, I was on a national team.” Won has enjoyed life in St. Louis as well as her life at South High. Won says, “I love experiencing a new culture and making new friends.” Won also says she would like to get a full experience here in St. Louis, and she would love to vi...

Nils Krueger, from Germany, says both his parents were involved in exchange programs, so he knew he wanted to be an exchange student. Krueger is involved in South's football program, he says, “I enjoy practicing as a wide receiver.” Krueger encourages students to say yes to every opportunity because it makes things more fun.

Ousseynou Diakite is also a new exchange student he has come all the way from Mali, Africa. He decided he wanted to go to America and become a foreign exchange student when he was 13 years old. In Mali, Diakite said almost every meal contains rice. He plays midfield and defense for the JV soccer team. When asked about what his favorite American food was, Diakite started smiling and said “cheeseburge...

South high also welcomes Luna Mocellin all the way from Italy. Back home in Italy, Mocellin loved to dance. Since the age of five, Mocellin has always been into Modern and contemporary dance. Luna says dance is one way that she expresses herself. Unfortunately due to tryouts and summer participation, Luna was not able to join the dance team. But that bad news did not slow her down. Luna also signed...

Foreign Exchange student, Yume Kashima came to the United States from Japan. Kashima plays on the golf team for South, she says “I played golf in Japan but my school didn’t have a team. I’m so happy to be on a team now.”  Fellow student, junior Kendall McBryan says “Yume is really interested in the community and wants to learn more about St. Louis. She loves getting to know other students,...