For fifteen-year-old Zuzia Bugalska, moving from her seaside hometown of Gdansk, Poland, to a small town in the mountains of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, was a leap into the unknown. In 2024, as a part of the Future Leaders Exchange Program, Zuzia embarked on a new adventure to experience life in America.
“I really just wanted to see what living abroad was like. People always talk about the ‘American Dream’ and I wanted to experience it in real life,” Zuzia said.
The current sophomore at Greater Latrobe lives with her host parents, Alexis and Bobby, as well as their two children. The eight-year-old twin boys, Jack and
Oliver, allow Zuzia to feel a taste of home away from home. Almost 7,000 miles away, her family, especially her younger siblings, fourteen-year-old Natalia and eight-year-old Zosia, wait for their family member to return.
Although Gdansk is similar in size to the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the school experience is very different. Students do not start and end school at the same time every day, instead the class day is on a rotating schedule. “My typical day would be going to school at seven and going back at twelve or three. Then, I would go home and study,” the Polish native explained.
The sports culture in Latrobe was also a shock to Zuzia, who has never participated in any sports in her home country. In an effort to make the most of her experience, the sophomore decided to join the Swim and Dive team. She said, “It was kind of hard, but at the same time, it’s amazing, it’s really cool.” The decision proved to be a challenge, but the team supports their new teammate in her events.
Adjusting to life in Latrobe came with its challenges. “Making friends was hard at first because everyone here has known each other for years,” she said. The language barrier also posed difficulties, despite her strong English skills. “Even though I could speak English quite well, it’s kind of hard to adapt in your head. Speaking it the whole day can be hard,” she said.
Despite these hurdles, Zuzia has found joy in new experiences. She fondly recalls attending homecoming, swimming
meets, and even a recent trip to Disney. “It’s the small moments with friends that make me feel at home,” she reflected.
Bugalska had a taste of home when she made pierogies, a traditional Polish food, for Christmas with her host family. Recalling one of her favorite activities, she said, “In Poland, we have a lot of beautiful mountains back home and I enjoyed skiing there. So, when I first went skiing here, it made me feel more at home,” Zuzia said.
Zuzia’s decision to become an exchange student was fueled by a desire for personal growth and curiosity about the American way of life. She said, “Becoming more independent and learning about myself, and what I like. Especially here where I can do stuff that I would never have done at home. So it’s kind of nice to learn these new hobbies that I have now.”
As she looks ahead to the remainder of her exchange year, Zuzia remains eager to continue exploring, learning, and building memories. She accredits her time in the United States to her growing maturity and responsibility. “Living on the other side of the world makes you deal with a lot of things on your own.”
She also gained a new perspective through the view of a different country. “This experience has already changed me in so many ways. I can’t wait to see what else is in store.”
