At Central, the school has the privilege of welcoming foreign exchange students from different countries. These students have come a long way to experience life in the United States. This is a chance to discover the diverse perspectives that have become part of our school community.
Martina Selvaggio, an Italian exchange student who is currently a senior this year, explained that her main deciding factor for attending BCCHS was hearing about Matilde Martina’s exchange experience at Billings Central last year. For those who are not familiar with the name, Matilde Martina was a foreign exchange student in the 2022-2023 school year, and she happens to share a hometown with Selvaggio. This year, Selvaggio’s goals are to discover her passion and to study psychology and science, two subjects that interest her. Another factor that influenced Martina’s decision to come to Billings Central was the courses the school offers in these areas. This year, Martina looks forward to prom and cheerleading.
Sophia Vogt, an exchange student from Germany, is a junior this year whose goals are to meet new people and to make good memories. She chose Billings Central because it seemed new and exciting to her. Vogt looks forward to football games the most because in Germany, football isn’t that popular of a sport. She currently plays volleyball, and she is planning to compete in either tennis or track and field in the spring.
Alessio Vanti, another exchange student from Italy, is a junior this year at BCCHS. He shared that his goals for this year are to finish a marathon in April and to live life “without worrying about boring things.” He chose Montana because he enjoys nature and wanted to be in the northwestern area of America. Vanti has many American experiences that he is excited about, and he looks forward to every day of his exchange year. He anticipates going on hikes and runs because that’s what he loves to do in his home country.
Janko Lakovic, a junior from Montenegro, chose Billings Central because he felt anywhere else wouldn’t have been a good fit as other states may simply have been too big to allow him to find himself. He says that out of all his options, Montana had the best conditions for him. Janko enjoys tourist attractions such as Yellowstone Park because of his interest in nature. When asked what experience he’s most excited for, he explained how he just wants to meet more American people and learn about their culture. Janko is also looking forward to the swim season because he enjoys swimming.
While these exchange students are here to immerse themselves in the culture of America and, more specifically, Montana, Central students have just as much to learn about them and their home countries. Each year, international students provide an opportunity to learn from unique students who have crossed oceans to be part of the Billings Central tradition.
