From Pakistan to Yakima
The thrill of having new people from different countries join our high school is always exciting. For Eisenhower High School, it’s one of the many great things that’s been added to our community. One of Ike's foreign exchange students from Pakistan, Muskan Devrajani, an 11th grader at Ike, has expressed her love for the community and her experience at Eisenhower.
I know how important it is to learn from different peoples' cultures firsthand. Eisenhower has immersed itself in allowing a healthy place for students from all over to study abroad in the school. I’ve asked Muskan a few questions about her experience with the foreign exchange program and how it has changed her life.
Why did you become a foreign exchange student, and what did you have to do to be in this program?
“I became a foreign exchange student to immerse myself in a new culture, improve my language skills, and gain a broader understanding of the world. To be part of this program, I had to go through a rigorous application process that involved submitting academic records, undergoing interviews, obtaining necessary visas, and meeting language proficiency requirements.”
How has your experience in the US been different from Pakistan?
“My experience in the US has been notably different from Pakistan due to various factors. In the US, I have observed a greater emphasis on individualism, a more diverse cultural landscape, a different educational structure, and a more open and casual social environment compared to joining the debate club, attended school events, participated in cultural exchange programs, interact with classmates from various backgrounds, and sought out opportunities to integrate into the school community through volunteering and participating in different clubs and activities.”
A key message while talking to Muskan is that she’s mentioned how much freedom she’s had in the US vs. Pakistan. This was a big change for her as the Pakistan school system didn’t offer the same amount of “relaxed” experience as Ike, “We can’t talk to our teacher like friends or even ask questions in class,” Muskan says about her Pakistan school. Her involvement at Ike has been changed for the better as she expressed fondness for the school and the country as a whole. The program has really inspired Muskan and others like her. When I asked her if she sees herself returning to the U.S. after the program ends in May, she said, “Yes, I love the U.S. I really want to spend the rest of my adult life in America if I can. It would be a dream.”
What “American experience” were you most looking forward to?
“The "American experience" I was most eager about was participating in extracurricular activities like the debate club at Eisenhower High School, engaging with American history firsthand, experiencing cultural events, and forming friendships with students from diverse backgrounds.”
What have you liked about Ike so far?
“What I particularly appreciate about my time at Ike includes the warm and inclusive environment, the strong sense of community among students, the support from teachers and staff, and the numerous opportunities available for personal and academic growth.”
What have you done to get involved with Ike?
To actively engage at Ike, I joined the debate club, attended school events, participated in cultural exchange programs, interacted with classmates from various backgrounds, and sought out opportunities to integrate into the school community through volunteering and participating in different clubs and activities.”