It is hard leaving family behind.  It becomes even harder when leaving means going halfway around the world to a foreign country.  It’s also a challenging experience when the people in the country speak a different first language.  Meeting new people is also something that one will contemplate.

You would never know of the homesickness Lucille feels through her cheery and upbeat facade she presents to her peers at Orono. She is an artistic student with a passion for singing.

Lucille Caradec is one of many foreign exchange student going to Orono High School in the school year of 2014-2015.  “The people are very different in the United States, there are also a lot of new things to learn and discover.  [I do feel] a little bit homesick,” exchange student Caradec said.

She explains the differences between her school in France and Orono High School. Caradec comes from a larger area in France, the town of Brest, with a smaller high school system.

“I live in a pretty big town. For example, I walk to school, and I walk back to my home. Here [in Minn.], I take the bus everyday,” said Caradec.  She talked about how different her means of transportation are compared to when she lives in France.

In France, Caradec’s day is structured differently than her day at Orono. “At my school [in France], we are with the same people for eight hours each day. Everyday we have different classes also.” Caradec said.

“It was very hard getting used to the time change.  I am still trying to get used to it.” Cardec said. Lucille would definitely recommend the life as a foreign exchange student. Caradec worked through ASF Foreign Exchange Student.  With that program, you do not get to choose what state or school you go to. Instead, the host family chooses you.  Caradec agrees that a necessary part of growing up is leaving people that you know.  “It gives people a new look at the world,” Caradec said.