“Stepping off the plane at Chicago O’Hare all the way from Norway, I knew I was about to start a journey that would not only shape my academic future but also broaden my cultural horizons,” said senior Jill-Marie Berg.

Berg is a current senior at Lake Forest High School. Although it is her first year here as an exchange student from Elverum, Norway, she is excited to embrace life in America through the Rotary program. 

The Rotary exchange program allows students to learn new languages, discover different cultures, build lasting friendships with young people from around the world, and truly become global citizens. 

Coming to the U.S. has been a very fun experience for her. However, Berg’s whole life was turned upside down. The norms she was accustomed to in Norway are extremely different here. 

The education system here versus in Norway has been the biggest difference for her. 

It was weird for her to get used to calling teachers by their last names because in Norway everyone is addressed by their first names. Students in Norway have to apply to high school because unlike here, they have to decide what they want to major in in 10th grade. High school is divided into general studies and based on what profession you want to pursue. 

Being a current senior at LFHS, Berg has noticed that her fellow classmates have been constantly stressing about college. To her, this seems absurd. 

Students here are super stressed about college and the whole society cares about higher education, while in Norway there is a bigger desire for a job in their profession immediately after high school. 

The lives of teenagers are different here compared to in Norway. Berg has loved the thought of the Friday Night Lights of football games, homecoming, prom, and more.  

One of the weirdest things she’s noticed is that teenagers at age 16 drive everywhere. In Norway, nobody drives and public transportation is utilized much more than it is here both in the cities and the suburbs because of how close everything is. 

Although exchange years have their struggles, Berg has experienced more benefits than anything. Of course, she misses home, her family, and friends, but this year has started to prepare her for the real world.

“Yes it is hard, it is difficult to leave home and to leave a country for which you know nothing about,” said Berg. “It’s hard to adapt but it’s amazing to be doing this journey knowing all the benefits and the experiences you are about to get.” 

She’s been working on overcoming homesickness while also forming connections with peers of diverse backgrounds from her own. She’s been continuously growing enriched perspectives and broadening her horizons. 

“She dove into LFHS and the culture and in the short amount of time she’s been here she’s made such an impact and everyone knows and loves her,” said Mahi Bhalla, a friend of Berg.

Berg wholeheartedly encourages every teenager to consider embarking on a similar journey through exchange programs, particularly with the Rotary organization. The lessons learned and the connections forged will without a doubt shape a brighter and more interconnected future for everyone.