Belgium Exchange Student Reflects on Wiscasset High School
Erin Van de Velde, an exchange student from Belgium joined WMHS Principles of Democracy Class and gained a deep appreciation for the Town of Wiscasset, WMHS community and the beauty of Maine.
Erin Van de Velde shared, “I enjoyed so many things about Wiscasset. The calmness of the forests and the beautifulness of the snow were definitely some of those things. I also loved how welcoming all the students and staff at WMHS are. They made my time at school so enjoyable and amazing. Wiscasset feels like home.”
Erin lives in Antwerp, Belgium. Antwerp is one of the world’s major seaports in the Flanders region in northern Europe. It gained fame as a centre of the diamond industry and for its legacy of fine arts. Antwerp population of nearly 600,000 is nearly half the population of Maine.
Erin learned about American Football, “Another typical American thing I enjoyed was watching football with my family. When I got here I didn't really know much about it but my time here has definitely made me like it more. I enjoyed watching it with my family at Thanksgiving and with my grandma at home.”
Belgium is known for its delicious cuisine like chocolate and waffles, stunning medieval cities lace, and diamonds, and as the political heart of Europe (EU/NATO headquarters in Brussels).
In the future, Erin will be pursuing a Masters in Psychology at the KU Leuven, Belgium with a goal of becoming Child and Teen Therapist and counseling. 