Exchange students bring diversity, culture, and new perspectives to Rocky. Through living and studying in a different country, they experience new traditions, education styles, and friendships, while sharing their own culture with the school community. This year, Rocky welcomed exchange students from different parts of the world, each with a unique story and unforgettable experience.
I’m Rawan Shoukry, an exchange student from Egypt, and I’ve been at Rocky since August. Becoming an exchange student has always been a dream of mine. I wanted to travel the world, experience new cultures, and challenge myself by stepping outside my comfort zone. Before coming to the U.S., I was most excited about meeting new people, experiencing everyday American life, and of course, trying American fast food. I remember thinking, “I don’t just want to visit America, I want to live it like a local.”
One of the biggest differences I noticed between Rocky and my school back home is the learning style. At Rocky, classes focus a lot on participation, group work, discussions, and sharing opinions. Students are encouraged to speak up and express what they think. In Egypt, school days are shorter, and we usually stay in one classroom all day, while the teachers move between classes. The system is more structured and academic, with a strong focus on memorization, exams, and grades. Another difference that surprises many Americans is that in Egypt, we wear school uniforms every day, and phones are usually not allowed in class. There are no lockers, pep rallies, or Homecoming like there are in American schools. When I first experienced moving between classes, having lockers, and attending events at Rocky, I thought, “This feels exactly like the movies, but it’s real.”
At Rocky, I’ve been involved in basketball, Student Council, and Culture Club. Being part of these activities helped me feel connected, and allowed me to share my culture with others. Whether I’m talking about Egyptian traditions, food, or daily life, I love seeing people’s reactions when they learn something new.
I would describe my experience at Rocky as unforgettable. I’ve made friendships, memories, and gained new perspectives that I will carry with me forever. As I always say, “This year didn’t just change where I study, it changed how I see the world.”
Being an exchange student is not just about traveling to a new country, but about building connections and understanding people from different backgrounds. At Rocky, I’ve learned that even though cultures may be different, kindness, friendship, and curiosity bring people together. I hope that by sharing my culture and experiences, I’ve helped others see the world from a new perspective, just as this experience has helped shape who I am today.
