By Renae Brown

   “I wanted to know what’s the difference,” said Amira Henin, who came to the United States from Egypt as an exchange student to explore education and culture.

   Amira, desiring to learn more about the United States, took the “all-in” route when she decided to come as an exchange student. Although she could come to the United States at any time, only by living in America would she be able to experience American life on such a deep level, leading to Amira’s time here as an exchange student at Tempe Preparatory Academy. 

   Once at TPA, Amira enjoyed how teachers got involved with the students through paideia or other means. She participated in discussions, and met a lot of new people. 

   Even the availability of sports was different! Amira attended Al Karma, a Cairo high school, previous to TPA, but Al Karma didn’t offer clubs or official sports teams, although other schools in Egypt may. 

   Amira discovered tons of interesting information about U.S. culture. What stands out to her most is the act of carrying a water bottle. In Egypt, she remarked, “You don’t take it everywhere,” but rather a water bottle is reserved for certain times and activities such as being outside all day. 

   Other differences range from the presence of donuts as a breakfast food to the frequency of greetings in America, even if people don’t know one another. 

   Amira’s exchange is hosted by the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study program. After completing an application, in-person interview and home visit, Amira participated in two camps where she and others were evaluated to see if they would be a good fit. Finally, Amira was selected to come to the United States.

   Because of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure in American schooling and society, “I get to know what you do in your daily lives,” Amira said. And that, to her, is pretty amazing.