Coming to the United States as an exchange student is a life-changing experience, and for Alfirah, a senior at Mason City High School, it has been full of new opportunities, challenges, and cultural discoveries. Alfirah is from the Indonesian island of Kalimantan. She lives in the city of Banjarmasin.
Before coming to America and Mason City High School, Alfira lived in a dorm at an all-girls boarding school. She decided she wanted a new experience, so she joined the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. The purpose of the program is to foster mutual understanding, break stereotypes, and build relationships between high school students in the U.S. and their counterparts in countries with significant Muslim populations. It was established by Congress in 2002 after 9-11.
Now, after almost nine months into her journey, Alfira reflects on her experience in Mason City and what is to come before she goes back to Indonesia.
What made you want to come to America and join the exchange program?
I wanted to try something new. Back home, I went to a boarding school, and it felt kind of repetitive, just staying in the dorm and following the same routine. I saw this exchange program on social media and decided to apply. It was a big opportunity, especially since I was the first person from my school to be accepted.
What do you want Americans to understand about your background?
My program was created to build understanding between cultures, especially after events like 9/11. It’s meant to help people learn from each other and break stereotypes. I think it’s important for people to see that we’re not so different.
What is your favorite thing about living in America?
Definitely school. It’s so much fun here compared to my school back home, which is very strict. There’s more freedom, and there are so many classes, clubs, and sports to choose from.
Were there other cultural differences that stood out?
Yes, relationships. In my school, dating isn’t allowed, so seeing students openly hold hands or show affection in school was new to me. Also, neighborhoods are different. In my country, people are very close with their neighbors. We talk all the time. In America, people seem more independent and keep to themselves.
What activities have you joined, and what do you enjoy about them?
I joined several things, including a volunteer club [Key Club] and Student Senate. In the Student Senate, we help organize events like pep rallies and homecoming. I also needed volunteer hours for my program, so joining clubs helped with that. It’s been fun being involved and trying new things.
You also joined golf. What has that been like?
I’m a complete beginner, but I enjoy it. I like that it’s not too physically exhausting compared to sports like soccer. It’s more relaxed, you hit the ball, walk, and enjoy the game. I just started recently, so I’m still learning, but I mainly joined to have fun and stay active.
Why did you choose to take journalism?
My program requires certain classes like U.S. history, math, and English. I chose journalism because it’s more interactive than a regular English class. I like that we can write, take pictures, and create stories—it’s more interesting and fun.
How are you feeling about returning home soon?
I feel both excited and sad. I’m happy to go back home, but I’ll miss my experience here. I’m not sure if I’ll have another chance to study in America, since getting a visa can be difficult.
