Mackenzie Packer

What made you chose to become a foreign exchange student?

“Well I did an exchange program in Chicago and really liked it so I decided I would make it a year.”

What is the biggest difference between this school and your old school?

“Everything. We have a lot more grades. In Germany high school starts at fifth grade, and here it starts at ninth.”

What was your first impression of Sandpoint?

“It’s really small. Compared to Munich, it’s really small.”

What’s a cultural difference between here and your home?

“Here [people] pray before every meal and go to church every Sunday.”

What other languages do you speak?

“French, German, and English.”

What are some of your favorite things to do?

“Hanging out with friends, and playing sports. In Germany I play soccer, but here I play football.”

What’s the difference between your host family and your actual family?

“That they are religious. I have a lot more siblings here, I have three siblings and in Germany I just have an older sister.”

What’s one cultural thing you want to experience?

“Well I’ve actually seen a lot because I’ve been here three times already, so I want to go to Chicago next spring break and see my friends there.”