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Exchange student learning about American life in Statesville
Photo by Allison Phillips
Vicki Gaffney is hosting foreign exchange student Marija Ivanovic.
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Published: September 28, 2009
Foreign exchange student Marija Ivanovic came to the United States to learn about the culture and receive an American-style education.
By the end of her journey next summer, she will have gotten more than she could ever imagined.
Marija, 17, who traveled to Statesville from Montenegro in August, is a senior at Statesville High School.
"I want to learn English and American culture," she said. "I want to study English and meet new people."
Learning English is essential for Marija's future aspirations. She wants to attend a university in Italy to study banking or law, but in order to do well she must know English.
Marija is living with Statesville resident Vicki Gaffney.
Life in America is different than Marija imagined it would be. She is amazed by the little joys of life, such as riding in a car, walking dogs and finding sales at clothing stores.
"I like it here. Everything is fast," she said. "Life is fast."
Marija, who is fluent in English, Spanish and Italian, has immersed herself in school and all it has to offer.
She has joined several after-school clubs and even volunteers at Maple Leaf Health Care Center.
"I want to be busy and do something," she said. "I want to try things I don't do at home."
Her favorite pastimes have become shopping, attending school football games, eating out and volunteering.
This is Gaffney's fifth time hosting a foreign exchange student. Marija's cousin stayed with her several years ago.
"I love getting to know the people," she said. "It's very rewarding."
Having Marija around is a good break from the norm of having three sons.
The two immediately bonded and enjoy spending time together.
"It's like I've known her forever," Gaffney said.
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