In April, 12-year-old Laurel resident Henry Farmer traveled to Sweden with three of his schoolmates from Mater Amoris, a Montessori school in Ashton, as part of an exchange program. Henry stayed with a host family and attended school; for fun, he went to an amusement park and got to play video games.
“I had an incredible time,” Henry said. “Personally, if I could go again, I would. Yes, it was nice to be home, but when can I go back?”
During the last week of May, Henry welcomed Vincent Strand whom he stayed with in Sweden, to Laurel. While Vincent was not able to stay with him, Henry was able to spend time with Vincent and Vincent’s fellow exchange students from Sweden as they visited Washington D.C., went to an Orioles game and enjoyed fast food.
“Everything is so big and the signs. Road signs are everywhere,” Vincent said. “Everything feels like it is from a movie.The school buses. The neighborhoods. So American.”
Both commented on other differences between the two countries, like the relative freedom youth have. Henry said he was surprised when an adult wasn’t required to sign him out at the end of school — he and Vincent were allowed to leave on their own, and they often attended events without adults present.
“It is normal in Sweden,” Vincent said. “It is not at all dangerous.”
No electronic devices are allowed in Henry’s school and everything is handwritten. In Sweden, electronics are expected.
The experience, the youth agreed, was a lesson in independence. MHenry’s mom, Alison Farmer, was impressed with the entire experience and is excited for Henry’s younger brother to be able to go.
“The kids handled themselves so well,” Farmer said. “They traveled all on their own.”
-Katie V. Jones