Throughout 2024-2025, Fair Grove High welcomes two new foreign exchange students from Mexico and the Netherlands. Nathalia Ruff (12), and Fiene Fransen (12), have both quickly become members of the Fair Grove family, and have been warmly welcomed to the community.
Fiene Fransen, from the Netherlands, stated, “Everybody is really nice, and wants to know more about where I come from and are always open to help me.” She continued on to say that one of her favorite parts about going to school here is making friends. Fransen elaborated that while it was difficult at first to adjust to all of the newness, she found people she clicked with.
Fransen shared her opinion on the Fair Grove culture, “In the Netherlands we don’t have any sports at our schools, and when you do a sport it is always club.” She highlighted how surprised she was that school got canceled for the football state game, but it turned out to be one of her favorite experiences.
Nathalia Ruff, from Mexico, stated, “I really enjoy being a part of this institution.” One of Ruff’s favorite experiences here at Fair Grove is also the state football game, and she commented that she was very excited while watching the game.
Ruff explained one of the biggest challenges from moving here from Mexico is the language barrier. While she did adjust, she commented that it was one of her biggest difficulties. She continued on to say, “It was also difficult to adjust to the educational system, the teachers, and the rules.”
In Mexico, Ruff explained how different the school systems are. “My previous school was very different from Fair Grove High School.” She continued, “My school was very different in terms of size, rules, language, teachers, and facilities.”
While the school systems are very different, Ruff said that her experience so far has been great, and she has adjusted well.
Ruff and Fransen both quickly became beloved members of the Fair Grove community, and are excited to continue making memories over the span of their stay.
