Greater Latrobe has welcomed many international students over the past couple of years. Many of these students have come to America to experience an unforgettable form of learning. The foreign exchange program is an experience for both students originally from Latrobe and those studying abroad. The foreign exchange program allows both sides of the exchange to learn about different cultures in a more personal way. Students are able to form lasting friendships globally and have memories that will last a lifetime.
Zuzia Bugalska, a sophomore from Poland, came to Greater Latrobe during the 2024-2025 school year. Coming from Gdansk, Poland, she wanted to get out of her comfort zone and experience new things she wouldn’t be able to in her home country. “I didn’t think it would be during high school. I always thought that maybe I would live abroad in university, but when I learned about a scholarship opportunity, I thought it was an amazing opportunity for me,” Bugalska said. Zuzia has made many friends during her exchange year and was a swimmer for the Latrobe swim team.
Zuzia’s exchange year taught her that when you put your mind to something, you can really do anything that you want. “When I was applying for the exchange program, I did not fully believe that I would be the person who would go and who would do so many things while on my exchange year,” Zuzia claimed. She joined the musical arts, which was out of her comfort zone, but she embraced trying new activities.
Saying her goodbyes a week early, Zuzia had to go back to Poland to pass her exams that were required for her second year of school. In Poland, Zuzia is in her third year of high school and is preparing for university. Following her experiences in Latrobe, she has joined the drama club at her school, and she is trying to get out of her comfort zone as much as she can. Zuzia tries to apply all the things that she learned in the U.S to her life back in Poland.
Following his brother’s footsteps, David Vavruska has embarked on a journey across the pond to get new perspectives and learn to live his life independently. David is from Prague, Czechia, a city with a population of 1.5 million. Coming to America, he had to learn how to speak English, to be able to adapt to American culture. English will also help David to fulfill his lifelong dream as an aviation pilot, as it is required to know a second language.
Finding out news of where you are getting to experience your foreign exchange year can be a lot to take in, filled with excitement and nervousness. David felt all of these. “My first thought was to prove to myself that I am good enough and can live on my own,” Vavruska said. Preparing himself for a new adventure, David was excited to experience America.
When arriving in the United States, David was sure to join in an activity. For the first time, he joined the boys’ soccer team this fall. He plans to continue his 12-year swimming career during the winter and spring. Creating lots of new friends to help him adapt to the culture and school environment. Taking the time to get to know and meet everyone was challenging, but it’s a first step to feeling comfortable in a new area. “It definitely took some time at the beginning,” Vavruska said. “It sounds a little bit scary because you’re on your own, but it prepares you for the future,” he added.
Working hard, David has a busy schedule. From doing seven hours of school to going to practices, David also has to do after-school exams for his school back in his home country. He does these exams to be able to graduate back in Prague. “It’s a lot of work being up late studying,” Vavruska said.
The foreign exchange program continues to grow, and so does the impact it brings to the students. Making this a learning experience for the ones visiting and the ones from Latrobe, it’s a global tapestry of understanding that builds our school together and makes it unique, not having the same people from the same area. It brings a different perspective into the school and can widen students’ views of the world.
