By: Aly West

Linn Lagerlid, a Swedish exchange student, has joined Bellbrook High School for her senior year to study and immerse herself in American culture.

Lagerlid is originally from a small town near Stockholm called Sigtuna. Lagerlid participates and coaches basketball during her free time. Lagerlid hopes to try out for and join the basketball team during her time here as well. 

Lagerlid is learning the differences between her home culture and the Midwest U.S. “It’s very different from what I expected,” Lagerlid said. “Back home people aren’t as social, and I wouldn’t wave or sit with someone on the bus because that’s just not a part of the culture.”

Lagerlid currently resides with the Fahncke family and lives with Sydney, 13 years old, and Ryker, 10 years old. She was also able to find a mentor her age. “Her host family is really good friends with my family, so we quickly became friends,” senior Zoe Howard said. “I love talking to her about the differences between the U.S. and Sweden. Linn seems to love being around people, so I was shocked when she said people aren’t as social back home.”

Lagerlid participates in a variety of traditions and holidays in Sweden, including Easter, Valborg, and Midsummer. “My favorite is definitely Easter, but that’s because it’s a really big thing in my family,” Lagerlid said. “We celebrate it up in the mountains for a big ski tournament with all of my close friends and family.”

“During Midsummer we dance around a big pole that we cover in flowers and we just get to come together,” Lagerlid said. “Volborg takes place at the end of April and it’s this huge bonfire. A bunch of students will build boats, go down to the river, and it’s really funny because you hope they’ll fall in.”

A year before taking an exchange year, Lagerlid moved away to live by herself while attending university. In addition, Lagerlid has had the opportunity to travel to around ten countries and even complete other short term immersion programs. 

“Our school requires us to complete a work program for three weeks and I went over to Michigan to volunteer at a Kindergarten center,” Lagerlid said. “Those are some of the best trips I’ve ever had.” 

She has aspirations for her time in Ohio, as well. “I just hope to make friends, embrace the culture, and see what life brings me while I’m here,” Lagerlid said.