West Lutheran High School

Q&A with Exchange Student Adam (Hak) Yu
4/17/2012

This is the sixth in a series of interviews with the eight foreign exchange student at West Lutheran for the 2011-2012 school year.

Adam (Hak) Yu comes to West Lutheran High School from South Korea. He is a quiet, pleasant young man, who has a great sense of style. One of Adam’s favorite pastimes is shopping at the Mall of America and he always looks very fashionable. Adam’s host family lives in Chanhassen. There are also two other international students in his home who attend other schools. Adam is a sophomore at West Lutheran High School and plans to return as a junior next fall. Adam’s hope is to continue his high school education in the US complete his college studies in the US.

Q and A with Adam

Q: How did you decide to come to the US for school?
A: My parents asked if I would like to attend school in the US and I said “yes.” I knew it would be a good opportunity to learn English and to go on to college.

Q: What is different about West and the school you previously attended?
A: Last year I was in the US and attended Minnetonka Christian Academy. It was a much smaller school and ½ of the students were international students.

Q: What is your favorite thing about the US?
A: The education system. In South Korea the education system models the Japanese school system. It is very intense. High School is usually 8am to 10pm every day. Many students board at school because of the long hours. My middle school at home was 8am to 4pm

Q: What do you enjoy doing here?
A: I like going to the Mall of America. I also like the food – there is so much variety and foods from all different countries are available here. I enjoy trying new foods.

Q: What is your least favorite thing about being in the US?
A: Being so far from home. I only get to see my family if I travel home in the summer. I talk to them once a week – either on the phone or via Skype.

Q: What do you miss the most from home?
A: I miss the family meals – we always had breakfast and dinner together as a family.

Q: What differences do you notice between the US and you home country?
A: I have more free time which I enjoy.