By Raeanne Beckner and Eleanor Noone

 

Simpson Creek Baptist Church member Mrs. Kathy Cox was enjoying a Sunday service when she was approached last year by sponsors from the International Student Exchange. Unexpectedly, they wanted to know if she would consider hosting a foreign exchange student for the next school year. After discussing it with her family, Mrs. Cox decided to start the process and apply for an exchange student. A background check, a multitude of paperwork, and a home check followed before Mrs. Cox was able to choose her student. A few months later, Bridgeport High school gained a new junior in Matus Rudinsky.

 

Matus, who goes by Matt, arrived at the Bridgeport Airport on July 31^st. Compared to the other exchange students we have at BHS, he flew in early. Matt requested this due to his interest in the school’s soccer team, whose try-outs began August 1^st.

 

“When we were looking through the students’ profiles, we were searching for someone who would fit well into our family. It wasn’t necessary they played soccer, but we wanted someone who wouldn’t mind going to games with us since we spend so much time at the field,” she explained.

 

The Cox family finally selected Matt’s profile from the slew of profiles offered. Meanwhile, in Bratislava, Slovakia, being accepted as an exchange student excited Matt since he had older friends who were fond of their personal experiences. The United States was Matt’s chosen country.

 

“It was the cheapest option,” he said with a laugh. Although that factored into his decision, Matt looked forward to the many opportunities American high schools provide. Matt is on the boys’ soccer team and is interested in becoming more involved with other school activities once the soccer season ends.

 

Matt has already experienced some of the stereotypical high school adventures. “Everyone really loves football here,” he exclaimed. He is starting to love the game himself; he is looking forward to the packed stadiums soon to come. Matt has also taken a liking to West Virginia’s specialty--pepperoni rolls. One of the other things that he noticed about Bridgeport is the lack of public transportation and the high amount of teenagers that receive cars immediately after they get their license. “Back home only one guy got a car; public transportation was much easier,” he said.

               

Even though there are some differences between the countries, Matt says he finds them similar. “I’m not really homesick. I just miss the little things.” Overall he believes the decision to become an exchange student was the right one. “Now I will be more independent when I go back home to Bratislava.”

               

Both Matt and Mrs. Cox agree that the paperwork and long process was worth it. They would recommend becoming and hosting a foreign exchange student to those thinking about it. Mrs. Cox says to,” definitely consider it if it works in your lifestyle.” It is an experience neither will ever forget.