MONROE — The 2024-2025 international exchange students met to share their experiences in Monroe. Ozodabegim (Ozoda) Isoqova from Tajikistan, Rahaf Almarzooq from Bahrain, and Fatima (Meena) Zeb discussed their reasons for participating in the exchange program, their school experiences, the community, their favorite memories, and plans for the future.
Recipients of government-sponsored scholarships through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study Program (YES) and the Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX), these students came to the United States to share their home culture with others, experience a different culture, and gain a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. While in Monroe, they gave presentations about their countries to students and community organizations, and served a total of 367 volunteer hours. Through the MHS Junior Optimist Club, they volunteered to serve breakfasts with the American Legion, assisted at Cadiz Springs, taught technology at the Senior Center, and worked concession stands at sports events. In addition, they volunteered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and assisted with the MHS stage crew.
The Monroe High School curriculum was less academically concentrated than their country’s schools. Meena liked the fact that the Monroe instruction was practical and engaging. Ozoda appreciated the welcoming and supportive relationships with her teachers. They enjoyed the opportunity to choose their classes. They took advantage of the sports and clubs offered at MHS, where they participated in volleyball, track, forensics, choir, Junior Optimists, AFS Club, Earth Club, and Fashion Club.
Favorite memories include Cheese Days, New Year’s Eve, and Prom. Ozoda enjoyed a road trip to New York City with her host family and guest Rahaf. Extra-curricular experiences and the opportunity to give presentations were also special times.
The students will tell people in their home countries about Monroe and American culture. They hope to break down stereotypes from the movies and describe Monroe as a “cheese town” with friendly people. Although they initially hoped to live in a big city, the girls enjoyed the small town’s welcoming atmosphere, where families are willing to host exchange students and learn about them.
When they return, Meena and Rahaf will complete their secondary school studies, and Ozoda will apply to universities. In the future, Meena hopes to become an Air Force pilot. Ozoda will seek more international experiences. Rahaf is undecided about her future choices, but will pursue post-secondary studies.
These Monroe YES and FLEX scholarship students were hosted through the AFS Intercultural Exchange Program. AFS-USA has hosted exchange students in Monroe and sent students abroad since 1963. With a long history of exchanges in Monroe, AFS-USA provides local support for exchange students and host families throughout the year.
AFS-USA is accepting applications to host students in the 2025-26 school year. According to AFS, “host families can have small or teenage children at home, be empty nesters with adult children, or be couples with no children. Single adults and single parents are also welcome.” AFS helps host families select a student who is a good match for their lifestyle and interests. For more information about hosting with AFS-USA, go to https://www.afsusa.org/ to start an application and see who is coming to our area. In Monroe, contact AFS volunteer Lisa Hendrickson at lisahen3@gmail.com.
