Learning Is More Fun Here

DAYTON -- The cozy house on Fourth Street in Dayton is a long way from home for exchange students Barbara Brixoto, of Belo Horizonte, Brazil and Stacy Populo of Nantes, France. The girls have made their school-year home with first- time exchange hosts Carl and Zelm (better known as Z) Hargraves, Texas transplants who moved to Dayton two years ago.

The Hargraves were en- couraged to participate in the exchange program by their neighbors who had previ- ously hosted students.

"It sounded like fun and, with my kids all grown and gone, I miss having kids around," said Z.

Both girls cite similar reasons for wanting to visit the United States: to improve their English, discover new things, and experience Amer- ican high school, firsthand. While Dayton High doesn't mimic the high school scene portrayed in High School Musical, a show both girls referenced, they're not disap- pointed with their experience in the least. High school in Dayton is significantly differ- ent than at home.

"In Brazil, the teachers don't talk to you or make jokes," Brixoto said. "And we don't get to choose our classes."

Populo echoed with differences between Dayton and French schools.

"In France it's very much, education first and fun after," added Populo. "But in the

U.S. it is OK to have fun while you learn."

The girls enjoy the more relaxed atmosphere and rela- tionships with their teachers here but acknowledge that school is much more difficult at home.

Populo, a junior here, is a senior in France and will re-take her final year when she returns. In France she attends school from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., staying until 6:30 p.m. on some nights, with a course load of eight subjects. There are no extra-curricular clubs or groups, the sole focus being education. Populo is unsure of the path she wants to take after graduation but is very interested in becoming a comedian or being other- wise involved with cinema or theater.

Brixoto, also a junior here and senior at home, will jump back into the middle of her senior year upon her return. School days in Brazil are shorter, running from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. most days, with additional testing in the afternoons or evenings. How- ever, she carries a large load of 14 classes compared to the six she takes here. Because the Brazilian school year runs from February through De- cember, Brixoto will return home on a Sunday in June and be back in school the next Monday. Populo plans to attend university to become a surgeon.

In both countries, there is a great deal of pressure to do well on the testing for univer- sity. The public university is highly regarded and is free, though exceptional scores are required to make it in. Private schools are also good but cost more. Competition is not quite as stiff, but students must still do well on their testing to be accepted.

"I could not believe the size of the car when I got picked up at the airport. It was very impressive. In France we drive much smaller cars. Everything is bigger here," Populo said. "Also, the food is a lot less healthy. We eat a lot more vegetables at home."

Brixoto said she is still working to adjust to U.S. mealtimes. "I am used to eating my biggest meal in the middle of the day. I still feel like I'm starving when I eat a sandwich and a bag of chips. I can't get used to that."

Coming from a perpetually warm climate, the cold weather was an eye opener as well and Brixoto enjoyed experiencing snow for the first time.

The girls each commented positively on their small-town experience. "It's so relax- ing," Brixoto said repeatedly. "There is no car noise, or people noise, you can just relax and breathe."

"I really like that everyone knows you and will talk to you and help you out if you need anything," Populo said. "That is really fun."

The girls will round out their stay by playing the all- American game of softball with the Bulldogs before heading back to their respective countries, mid-June.