The country’s vast valleys of opportunity are endless for the eye to see, and the prosperity of a new found America has been a dream for many. However, only a portion of the world’s population is able to experience the joy and multiple cultures the United States provides. Some may say the American Dream has changed over the course of the ages, beginning with the cottage on the hill and living off the land, then morphing into becoming successful, receiving a diploma, and starting a family. Foreign exchange students are a part of the select few who have the opportunity to taste a sample of the U.S. culture. 

Cannon Falls High School (CFHS) has a variety of opportunities for international students. One of the newest members to Cannon Falls’ program is Mikko Heinasuo. He came at the end of August from Hāmeenkyrō, Finland. Currently, he is staying with his grandparents in town, yet the relationship with his immediate family, an ocean away, has remained strong. His mother comes and visits periodically to check on Heinasuo and to maintain the family connection.     

The teen has already embraced the wide array of high school experiences,such as Mrs. Maus’ business class. The course, which focuses on management and financial skills, originally deemed challenging for the exchange student. Mrs. Maus explained, “At times he got behind, but he was really good about getting it done.” Heinasuo is now adapting to the educational and social piece of high school. CFHS is drastically different from Finland’s education system. In Finland the educational system assigns less hours of homework and has fewer days in the classroom. Butbeyond the CFHS classroom, there have been many opportunities Heinasuo has begun to explore.