A Year Abroad: International Students Embrace Life at Catoctin High
Alisha Yocum
Imagine spending your high school years in a completely different country. That’s exactly what three international students are doing this year at Catoctin High School (CHS). Jette De Jong from Germany, Ask Thejsen Krogh from Denmark, and Leonie Dienemann from Switzerland are all part of an exciting cultural exchange made possible through Education First’s High School Exchange Year (EFHSEY) program.
The program allows students to live in the United States for ten months with a host family and attend the public high school in their host family’s district—fully immersing themselves in American student life.
At Catoctin, the presence of these students has enriched the school community in countless ways. “We love having the students here,” said Principal Jennifer Clements. “Not only do they gain a great experience, but our students benefit as well by being exposed to different cultures and perspectives.”
The local EFHSEY program is coordinated by Chantal Regibeau, who herself was an exchange student in high school—an experience that now drives her passion for helping others create their own. This year, there are 6 EFHSEY students across Frederick County Public Schools and 35 throughout Maryland. “CHS is one of our most welcoming schools,” Regibeau noted.
For De Jong and Krogh, settling into life with their host families was a smooth process. De Jong, who is staying with the Hoyle family, was thrilled to discover they owned horses—an unexpected but welcome perk. Krogh’s host family, the Getzes, had hosted a student before, which helped him feel right at home from the start.
Both students noted significant differences between their home country’s school systems and the one in the U.S. In Germany and Denmark, students typically stay in a single classroom with the same peers all day, while teachers rotate between rooms. At CHS, moving between classes—and meeting different classmates and teachers throughout the day—was a big change.
“It’s helped us meet more people,” said De Jong. “And the teachers here really take the time to get to know you personally, which we appreciate.”
Another highlight for De Jong has been the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities that don’t exist in German schools. She’s joined the tennis team and Future Farmers of America, where she’s especially interested in pre-veterinary experiences.
Of course, no American experience would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. Surprisingly, both students named Chipotle as their favorite discovery. “Mexican flavors just aren’t common back home,” said De Jong. They’ve also had fun sharing their own cultural dishes with their host families in return.
Outside of school, the students have had the opportunity to participate in leisurely activities. Thejsen Krogh spent many winter evenings on the slopes at Ski Liberty snowboarding—something he would need to travel 12 to 18 hours to do in Denmark. He also spends much of his time working out at the local gym, where he also has enjoyed meeting new people.
The EFHSEY program often leads to lifelong connections. Many host families stay in touch with their students and even travel to visit them in their home countries after the program ends.
Interested in hosting an exchange student? Regibeau explains that the process includes a background check, a home and neighborhood review, and personal references. Once approved, families receive training and are carefully matched with a student based on shared interests and lifestyles.
For more information email Chantal Regibeau at chantal.regibeau@efexchangeyear.org or call 410-346-6373.
Jette De Jong, Chantal Regibeau, Ask Thejsen Krogh and CHS Principal Jennifer Clements
Leonie Dienemann enjoying time skiing
