Emine Dormanen is a 17-year-old foreign exchange student from Norway. She is from a small city in Norway called Kirkenes. She departed from Norway on July 31st and arrived in New York City for the first 10 days of her exchange year. Emine then flew into Minneapolis on August 9th. She was placed in the city of Sartell, Minnesota, which she would call home for the next several months. The Downare family became her host family and welcomed Emine with open arms. The family includes Tammie, Taggart, Tiffanie, Trinatie, Bella, Tenzen, and now Emine. She attends Sartell High School as a junior. To continue her soccer journey from back home, Emine joined the Sartell girls’ soccer team. Her favorite part of being on team was getting to know more people.
Before we dive into the depths of Emine’s life, here is some background information regarding the program.
I did an interview with Emine, and here’s what she had to say:
I asked Emine to provide me with background information on her decision to come here and what her motivation was.
“I was inspired by my cousin, who did an exchange year in Minnesota,” Emine shared. “She only had good things to say about her experience because she knew Minnesotans are known for being nice.” Emine also mentioned that her parents thought it would be a good experience for her to learn and travel in the USA while she was young.
When you decided you wanted to become a foreign exchange student, what state did you want to be placed in?
“I wanted to be placed in Minnesota because of my cousin. I also never really cared about the weather because I am from a cold country.”
What is the most important takeaway you’ve learned?
“I have improved my English because of reading, and because I have to communicate with everyone here in English.”
What is your family like back at home?
“Normal. I have two siblings: one brother and one sister. My brother’s name is Jonas, and he is 29 years old, living in southern Norway. My sister’s name is Isabel, and she is 11 years old, living with my parents. My dad is from Oslo, Norway, which is the capital, and my mom is from Kirkenes. They are a mix of chill and strict people; it really depends on what is going on.”
What is your favorite food back in Norway?
“Sushi with salmon”
Now, what is your favorite Minnesota dish?
“Tater tot hotdish”
I know that you live with the Downare family. Can you tell me more about how that experience has gone for you?
“It has been nice. I really like them, and I am so happy that I am with them.”
Have you done any traveling with the Downares?
“When I first came to Minnesota, we took a road trip through North and South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. I saw Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore. We also went to New York City in December, around Christmas time, for 4 days. In January, we also went to Roatan, Honduras, for a week, which was super fun. The most recent place I have traveled was over spring break to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.”
What has been your favorite destination you’ve traveled to with your host family?
“Probably New York, because there was so much to see and we shopped a lot.”
Did you and your family back home ever travel?
“Yeah, we travel every summer. I have been to Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Greece, and Spain. My favorite vacation we take is to Alcúdia, Spain, because we travel there with family friends, and it is super pretty and chill.”
What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
“A lot. I have experienced so much that I can’t pick one. One of my favorite experiences was our Punta Cana trip with the entire senior class. I also like Christmas; that was fun. I don’t know… everything has been fun.”
What will you miss most about the US?
“I don’t know. My friends, host family, 7 brew, and the barbecue sauce from Chick-fil-A.”
What will you not miss about the US?
“I will not miss that I can’t have a license here, and that you have to drive everywhere. In Norway, there are walking paths everywhere, so it is much different here.”
Would you ever move here in the future?
“It is a very small chance. I would if the circumstances were good. I would need a high-paying job, and if I had the love of my life. My entire family is in Norway, and it is a 7-hour difference, which would be hard.”
I asked a few of her host family members questions regarding Emine.
What is your favorite part about having Emine as your foreign exchange student?
