NOTE: This story appeared in the February 2012 edition of the Plymouth High School newspaper, Hi-Lights. Look for a copy in the high school office. Also visit the Hi-Lights web site at my.hsj.org/hi-lights for archives and bonus content such as photo galleries.

By Mitch Tournour
of the Hi-Lights staff

On Jan. 6, a group of Colombian exchange students from Bogota, Colombia, arrived in America to visit parts of the country and stay at various schools. The students arrived to their host in Plymouth on Jan. 8 and stayed with them through the 15th.

There were 13 students this year, all ranging from ages 12 through 16. There were also two teachers from Colombia along with the group.

While in Plymouth, the students planned to do many things, such as sledding at Sunburst sledding hill, performing a presentation for all the Spanish students, teaching students at PHS what Colombia is like, teaching Salsa dance lessons to PHS students and having a dance on Friday, Jan. 13.

There were two students staying with PHS sophomores, three students who stayed with PHS juniors, and the rest stayed with seniors at PHS.

Some of the students thought their time in America was good and that people were kind towards them.

“Everyone has been really nice since we’ve gotten here. The only thing I really miss about my home is my family and some of my friends. Other than that it has been really great here,” said Jennifer Leon, exchange student of junior Maggie Paese.

The PHS students also agreed that the time with the exchange students has been good.

“It’s fun having my exchange student and showing them what life is like around here. We have all been having a good time and it’s going to be sad when they have to go back,” said senior Haley Johnson.

After the students left Plymouth on Sunday, Jan. 15, they stayed with more American students at a school in Chicago for a week. After their week in Chicago, they returned home to Bogota, Colombia.