Some teenagers may be apprehensive about the idea of being on a plane headed for a country where you have never been, to live with a family you have never met and attend a school different from what you have always been used to. For Senior Oliver Tauscher, this was an opportunity of a lifetime.

“My neighbor told me about the opportunity to be a part of the foreign exchange program,” Tauscher said. “I wanted to do it to improve my English, see a different culture and do something for a year that was different from anything I had ever done.”

Tauscher had been learning English for six years and was able to put it to the test when he met his host family.

“My first meeting was a little weird,” Tauscher said, “because I knew I would be living with these people for a year. I soon found out that it wasn’t very different and I really enjoy my host family.”

Tauscher says the reality of being in a new country didn’t hit him until after living with his host family for a week.

“I realized that I would be living here for a year,” Tauscher said, “and I have so much time to experience new things in America like a new school, and making new friends.”

Tauscher’s real home is in Chemnitz, Sadsen, a state located in East Germany.

There are plenty of new things around town Tauscher cannot wait to experience.

“I’m excited to eat a lot of barbecue,” Tauscher said, “and see Sporting KC play a soccer game.”

Tauscher said there are more similarities in America and Germany than people may think.

“All the food and fashion are about the same here,” Tauscher said. “Some things that are different are that I get to choose more classes at North and I am assigned more homework.”

Tauscher is excited for the many events at North. He suggests that all kids should experience a new culture.

“You are young,” Tauscher said, “this is a great time to learn firsthand about another culture, you should do it. This is something I will never forget.”