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SULLIVAN — For many of the exchange students spending their year at Sumner Memorial High School, the most striking things about Maine are the snow, the ocean views and the trees. For others it’s the cozy size of the high school, or the discovery of that American staple — the Whopper. The six students Sumner is hosting this year come from various parts of the globe. They represent the largest group of exchange students in the 15 years the program has been in place at the high school. The students stay with host families in the area and are sponsored by a variety of exchange programs: AFS intercultural programs, AYUSA Global Youth Exchange, and Pacific Intercultural Exchange. Some students also make arrangements on their own. Having the exchange students at Sumner offers a glimpse of another way of life to local students. “Most of our students have not done much traveling outside of the state of Maine, so to have students from another culture come here and share their lives and experiences with our students is powerful,” said Linda Penkalski, director of guidance. “These are all excellent and mature students who add ‘flavor’ to our school and student body.”  | | Diana Vicol 16, Grade 11 From: Cahul, Republic of Moldova Native Language: Romanian How do you say Maine, snow, lobster and blueberries? There is no translation for Maine or lobster. snow: zapada or nea blueberries: coacaza Biggest surprise: That you get to choose your classes. In our schools we have a certain number of classes that are mandatory to be taken by all students, and it’s quite a big number, about 15. Favorite food here: The apple pie prepared by my host mom, and lobsters. Things you like best: We are so close to the ocean, and the nature is great. What do you miss most? My family, my friends, everything. |
 | | Chun Fung Lau (Marco) 17, Grade 12 From: Hong Kong, China Language: Cantonese, Chinese Biggest surprise: I have done so many things that I would never have done in Hong Kong (such as dancing). Favorite food here: Macaroni and cheese, Whopper. Things you like best: Snow, many trees. What do you miss most? My parents (Dad, Mum and some relatives). |
 | | Pongpunt Tantijunyakul (Aaron) 18, Grade 12 From: Bangkok, Thailand Language: Thai How do you say? Maine: Maine snow: he-mar lobster: kung-mang-korn blueberries: blueberries Biggest surprise: Friendly and nice teachers. Favorite food here: Maine lobsters. Things you like best: Gorgeous natural views and many trees. What do you miss most? My family, relatives, friends and food. |
 | | Jorge Fabara 17, Grade 12 From: Ibarra, Ecuador Language: Spanish How do you say? Maine: Maine lobster: langosta snow: nieve blueberries: arandano Biggest surprise: Fuel prices, so many trees. Favorite food here: lobster. Things you like best: That I’m close to the beach, ice fishing, track meets. What do you miss most? Living in a big city. |
 | | Nina Nityanskaya 16, Grade 11 From: Vladivostok, Russia Language: Russian How do you say? Maine: lehl lobster: mkao (jmapqeo) snow: plec blueberries: cmjrahia Biggest surprise: The size of the school. The first time it seemed to be tiny, but I got used to it. Favorite food here: I have tried a variety of new food, most of it was what my host Mom, Beverly Alteri, cooked, such as seafood chowder, chicken divan, lasagna and brownies. Things you like best: Schoodic Point, the ocean and wildlife. What do you miss most? I miss my family a lot, and my friends, sometimes food and definitely the convenience of a big city where I grew up. |
 | | Valeria Jimenez 17, Grade 11 From: Zamora, Michoacan State, Mexico Language: Spanish How do you say? Maine: Maine snow: nieve lobster: langosta blueberries: mora azul Biggest surprise: The school is very little. In my old school there were 1,500 students. Favorite food here: I love chicken nuggets and almost everything that has to do with chicken. Things you like best: A lot of trees. What do you miss most? The food, the city lifestyle, my school, my family, and my friends. |
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