Thomas Schaper, who is studying at Estacada Significant University, is selected as ICES pupil of the thirty day period
It is been an unusual calendar year to be a foreign trade pupil, but Thomas Schaper is enjoying his time in Estacada.
Schaper, 16, of Berlin, Germany, has been selected as the Worldwide Cultural Trade Products and services student of the thirty day period for January. He is remaining with the Rex household in Estacada and attending Estacada Superior Faculty. Schaper is 1 of 600 high college exchange college students who came to the United States by way of ICES this university year.
Just 1 7 days right after arriving in Estacada, Schaper and his host loved ones had to evacuate for the reason that of the Clackamas County Wildfires, 1 of which arrived inside a half mile of metropolis limits. Schaper and the Rexes stayed at a hotel and then with family members before the evacuation buy was lifted. Schaper credits the expertise with encouraging him bond with his host loved ones.
Even though classes at Estacada Higher University have been on the web mainly because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Schaper has appreciated his time at Estacada Superior School.
“I was pretty joyful to get started college, even though it was online,” he stated, introducing that he is been capable to make mates by texting his classmates. “I am blessed to be at Estacada High University. Lecturers enable a great deal, and the university is genuinely pleasant to exchange students. Even however it truly is on the net, it truly is still really pleasurable.”
Many months following the initially working day of school, Schaper participated in an occasion called Senior Dawn. He and his classmates woke up at 3:15 a.m. and gathered to check out the sunshine increase. He explained it as one of the most special memories of his trade.
Schaper also participated in an abbreviated basketball time this tumble, during which individuals wore confront masks. He hopes to enjoy in a extended season this spring.
Schaper has enjoyed checking out the Oregon Coastline and other areas about the point out with his family members. He is been significantly impressed with Oregon’s trees.
“I’m definitely tall (just shy of 6-ft, 6-inches) but it is remarkable to see trees listed here that are even taller than me,” he said.
Midway by means of the working experience, Schaper credits his exchange yr with making him extra impartial. Again in Germany, his more youthful brother has applied to participate in an exchange with ICES this slide.
The COVID-19 pandemic has produced his expertise in the United States various from what he envisioned, but Schaper has loved it.
“It is really distinct than I considered (my trade) would be, but I consider it is really good. Even although I won’t be able to do some of the things I preferred to do, I have developed truly near to my host household and they sense like spouse and children,” he explained.
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