Admiring a new country

Gathering her bags, she heads to the airport. Nervous energy runs through her body at the thought of living in a new country at such a young age. As she steps on the airplane, she doesn’t turn around, knowing something could hold her back. Her nerves relax and through the window, she can see a new opportunity heading her way in a new country.

Junior exchange student Elsa Skiold applied for an exchange year in the United States in October of 2018. Although she found the English language difficult to learn at school, she knew in order to get around she had to make her English more established, so she devoted her time to learning new phrases.

“In Sweden, we start learning English at the age of 6 and I always found it kind of hard at school,” Skiold said. “Last year, I learned a lot by watching YouTube videos, Netflix and getting more invested in things, but it’s still hard with an accent.”

Even though she was known as the ‘new girl’ when she first arrived, she ended up meeting new friends. At the beginning of this journey, she was lonely, quiet and didn’t know who to hang out with. She eventually met the people who let her open up and brought the best out of her.

“She is more outgoing now, she was very shy when I met her, in a conservative way,” junior Elizabeth Matthews said. “She is more out of her shell and I think that is because of our friends we hang out with.”

The school system was a major change for her. She wasn’t used to sanctions like detention if students broke rules. Her Swedish school disregarded school spirit, which she thinks is a nice way for students to bond with each other. Skiold enjoys making her own school choices, which is something new to her.

“What I really like [is] that you can choose your own classes,” Skiold said. “It’s easier to get to [do] what you want. What I dislike [about the school] is that I’m not used to things [like] dress code, detentions and warnings. The school system [in Sweden doesn’t] have these things. I really enjoy the school spirit. The school [in Sweden doesn’t] have sports or anything, [so] it’s very nice to have something for students to connect with.”

Although Texas wasn’t her first choice, she ended up appreciating the Texan weather. Skiold is still getting used to her environment, even though some elements are just irreplaceable, such as fashion.

“I wanted to go somewhere in the United States, but when I [found out I] was going to Texas, I was surprised at the beginning because I would [rather] go somewhere north,” Skiold said. “The weather [is different]. Here, the summer is so warm. The coldest [it] gets here, it’s the warmest [it] ever gets in Sweden.”

One of Skiold’s closest teachers describes her as an authentic human being. Skiold auditioned for the school’s “Legally Blonde” musical and obtained a part as a cast member. Theater teacher Deborah Jaquess hopes Skiold embraces her talent while she’s here and has enough memories from her experience in the United States to take back home to Sweden.

“I have learned Elsa is a very genuine human,” Jaquess said. “I am very proud of her decision to be a part of such a huge undertaking and participate in such an American experience, the musical. I hope she continues to be a part of the theater program while she is here. I hope she returns to Sweden with many interesting and unique stories to share. The memories she makes are hers to keep forever.”

Skiold will forever be grateful for the opportunity she was presented with. She has appreciated everything Texas and the school have presented to her, and she is thankful for everyone she has met and her closest American friends.

“I will always admire the United States with all these nice people, school spirit, theater, the production [of] putting up musicals and I’ve enjoyed it so far,” Skiold said. “I was very lonely, I didn’t have anyone to sit with at first but now I have friends to be with and I’m happy.”