Every year, New Ulm welcomes numerous exchange students. Some attend NUHS for a whole year and some for just a semester. In the end, each student returns home, returning to the life they left behind before going on exchange. But the question is: what happens to them after they return?
We all remember that great group of exchange students from the 2023-2024 school year, the group with which several students shared fun moments throughout the student year. We contacted some exchange students from that group, and this is what they have been doing since they returned home.
Jakob Geiss
Jakob, from Germany, spent a year at New Ulm High School, which allowed him to be involved in different activities such as plays, where he got a leading role in the play Radium Girls. He also participated in track & field and making noises in football games as part of the band.
Jakob returned to dedicate himself to the bassoon, where he has been in competitions and concerts. "I was selected as one of three people from all over Germany," Jakob said, "for a week of a music course in a five-star hotel." At the end of the course, they did a concert where Jakob participated as a group member that performed.
Now in his junior year, Jakob finds school relatively easy. "It's too easy," he said. "I don't study much and still maintain a 3.7 GPA." Outside of school, Jakob has resumed volleyball, training with a club that emphasizes practice over competition, with sessions twice a week.
Valeria Garcia
Valeria, from Spain, spent an entire year at New Ulm High School, where she embraced the opportunity to participate in sports throughout the school year. In the fall, she played volleyball; in the winter, she joined the girls' hockey team; and in the spring, she competed as part of the track & field team.
Now, in her senior year, Valeria attends an art school located an hour away from her hometown. She moved in with her uncle in Huelva, where the school is located, to pursue this opportunity. "At first, I was terrified," she said. "Living another year away from my parents and not knowing anyone scared me a little." However, her fears quickly faded; within a week, Valeria had already made many friends.
This year, Valeria also had the chance to travel with Aurora, another exchange student she met in New Ulm. Valeria spent a week in Italy with Aurora, and afterward, Aurora joined Valeria in Spain for another week. Additionally, Valeria traveled with her family to Punta Cana, where they enjoyed some quality time together.
Leo Ljung
Leo, from France, spent an entire year at New Ulm High School. Leo was part of the boys' hockey team as an assistant coach, the same hockey team that won the Big South Conference and made it to state last year. He was also a golfer on the golf team, and in his free time, he used to go to the gym and talk about the proteins in the food thing that he still does today.
Leo is currently in his Junior year at school; he mentions that his school in France is more complicated than in New Ulm. "In New Ulm, I was never doing my homework," said Leo after realizing his grades have dropped. One of the goals Leo mentioned that he wants to do is to go to college in the United States.
Over the summer, Leo visited his mother in Biarritz, located in southwest France. While there, he surfed and practiced Krav Maga in his free time.
Pauline Mignarri
Pauline, from France, spent an entire year at New Ulm High School. Pauline participated in three sports throughout her time at New Ulm. She was on the girl's tennis team, tried hockey for the first time, played on the varsity team in girl's hockey, and was part of the track and field team.
After returning to France, Pauline began her first year of college, studying tourism and hospitality. By the end of the year, she will need to complete an internship at a hotel. "I'm currently applying," she said. "I'm waiting to see where I'll go." Pauline is eager to receive offers from hotels in any European country, which will allow her to complete her internship and further her studies.
Aside from her studies, Pauline had the opportunity to travel during the summer and spend quality time with her family. Together, they visited Tunisia for the first time and returned to Greece for a second visit. Pauline also expressed her joy at reuniting with her dog, which is one of the things she missed most during her time in New Ulm.
Giorgia Specchia
Giorgia, from Italy, spent the second semester at New Ulm High School. Giorgia wasn't involved in any sports, but she did enjoy her stay thanks to the many friends she made in a short time.
Now back in Italy, Giorgia has started her senior year. She shared that her studies keep her busy with numerous exams, but she remains excited about this milestone, as it’s her final year before heading to college. Giorgia also mentioned her plans to return to the United States next summer, hoping to take a road trip with her best friends from New Ulm.
In addition to school, Giorgia visited her relatives in Castro, Puglia, in southern Italy. "I go every summer to visit my relatives," she said. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym or spending time with her friends, where they occasionally play padel.
Many students at NUHS created special memories with this group of exchange students. They shared laughs, lunches, and fun times that became essential to their year. Now that the exchange students are back home, both sides miss each other deeply. NUHS students miss this group, and the exchange students remember the people who made their time here so special. A quick shoutout to all the exchange students—your time here left a mark, and the memories you created with everyone at NUHS are truly unforgettable!
