Junior foreign exchange student Quiming “Steven” Sha slouches in his chair, a dull glare stretched out across his face as he describes education in Beijing, his hometown. When his focus shifts to American education, and as if on queue, his full-body slouch perks into the upright, grinning pose of an enthusiastic American pupil.

“I think the classes are very relaxing; you can use your phone and computer, you can talk, have a drink and food. In China, you can’t do that. It’s nice to have a group of people to study with. In China, the teachers just go on, ‘blah blah blah'” Sha said, making his hand blab on and on while rolling his eyes.

Ultimately, the opportunities of the American classrooms prompted Sha to explore the foreign exchange program. He favors the mild-mannered environment offered at Neenah over what is offered in his home country, crediting the relaxed learning style allowing for more engagement.

According to OECD-Library(Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), China has the most pupils per classroom globally. This is a contributing factor that leads many in China and other countries to seek a new learning style through exchange programs. As reported by the Institute of International Education, overall participation in exchange programs has increased by 5 percent in previous years.

After enduring this monolog teaching style for so long, Sha excitedly awaited the change to the American teaching style. Sitting attentively, Sha reflected on the surprises he learned coming to America.

“The host family is so nice. Not that I wasn’t expecting them to be nice, but they are so nice — it was a nice surprise.”

Sha’s host family takes on the responsibilities of a typical household. He mentions that he must spend time with them and ask them permission to do things. As well, Sha is not allowed to drive, drink or post about controversial topics on social media.

Sha’s host parents, Jon and Judy Kenny, are longtime Neenah residents. Their now college-age daughter, Grace, attended NHS last year. As Sha comes into the new year, Grace can act as a guide for his high school experience. A host family is an important step in becoming an exchange student; each student is matched with a family based on their hobbies and interests. Sha becomes quite reliant on his host families, as he only contacts family and friends from back home about once a month.

Deciding to be an exchange student can be stressful, nerve-wracking, even. But for Sha, it was not the intrigue of a new culture, but the benefits of a learning environment that so many take for granted every day.