A foreign exchange student from Kardzhali, Bulgaria, junior Marinela Koleva has been adapting to life in America.

“It was really overwhelming at the beginning, because I didn’t know anyone,” Koleva said. “But it’s been over a month now, and I’m getting used to [living here].”

Koleva got the opportunity to come to the United States through an organization called American Councils for International Education, which helps students around the world interact with other cultures, usually through foreign exchange programs. Koleva said that she had to do a lot to be able to come to America.

“I won a scholarship,” Koleva said, “but [to get the scholarship] I had to take English tests, write essays, go to interviews and stuff like that.”

Koleva said that her first few days in the United States were a bit difficult as she learned about America.

“I didn’t know lots of stuff, like what to order in restaurants,” Koleva said. “I asked many questions of my host family.”

Koleva’s host family, the family she’s staying with while in America, chose her to come live with them, so she did not know where she would be going until she learned who her host family was.

Although she hasn’t had too much trouble adjusting to life in America, Koleva did admit that the new school was “a little confusing.”

“[The school] is very different… and I got lost on my first day,” Koleva said.

All in all, Koleva is grateful for the opportunity she has had to study in America.

“It’s a new experience,” Koleva said, “but I think it’s worth it.”