Each school year brings new opportunities to meet students from around the world and learn about how their cultures, schools and daily lives differ from ours. At Windsor High School, foreign exchange students often become familiar faces — and new friends — in the halls.

This year, Windsor welcomes several outgoing and friendly exchange students from countries across the globe.

One of them is Line Houdet, an exchange student from France. When asked about the differences between American and French schooling, she shared several observations.

“The teachers are really friendly, and in France you don’t really talk to the teachers — you just do your class,” Houdet said. “During class here you can talk with your friends and the teachers, but you can’t do that in France.”

Leaving family and friends behind is one of the biggest challenges for many exchange students, and Houdet said it has been difficult for her as well.

“I miss my family and my friends, and also the food,” she said. “The food is good here, but in France it is so much better.”

Windsor’s other exchange student this year is Marco Ivanovski from Macedonia. He said he finds the schoolwork in the United States easier than what he experienced back home and appreciates the extra flexibility in his schedule.

“The school is different because the classes are easier, and you have so much free time with Owl Time,” Ivanovski said.

Like Houdet, Ivanovski said he misses his family and the food from home. Still, he is grateful for the chance to experience a new culture.

“I mostly miss my friends and family, but also the food as well,” he said. “I am very happy I got to meet the people I have and to come here and have new experiences and lessons.”