Sweden, Italy, Brazil… Perry has hosted foreign exchange students for many years from several countries. Junior Martin Normell is one student amongst these who has come this school year from Stockholm, Sweden.

“It’s like a new life for a year. You meet a lot of new friends, and I’ve done so much in the months that I’ve been here.”

Normell was motivated in his desire to follow in the footsteps of his older brother.

“My brother did this two years ago and he loved it,” says Normell “we got to know his host family, so I’m staying with that same family [now].”

His host family, just like his teammates have been very welcoming towards Normell during this experience.

“I have two host siblings who are younger [than me],” explains Normell. “It was weird at the beginning, but now it’s just like I’m one of them.”

Being an exchange student is a challenging experience, there is a long set of steps involved which demands dedication and drive.

“There is a process for foreign exchange students; we get one per every 500 students,” principal Dan Serrano says. “I think it’s a good program. Typically, the kids who come here do well and don’t cause any problems.”

The hard work has paid off, according to Normell; he is enjoying his year studying abroad, getting many opportunities to try new things.

“[My favorite part about being an exchange student] is the experience to live the american life, like everything you see in the movies.”

Normell has played soccer in his home country since the age of 6 and currently plays forward for the varsity boys soccer team at Perry.

“When you [coach] a foreign exchange student, their best sport is their culture, especially soccer. You can see their passion for the game. It revives it for the guys here,” says boys varsity soccer coach John Roberts. “Sometimes they don’t realize soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and when people from Europe come here, it’s their favorite sport, so its good for the boys to see the passion for the sport in other countries.”

Not only has Normell been immersed in the American culture, but the boys have had the opportunity to learn about the Swedish culture.

“He’s a great team player, he brings a lot positive influence to the team and works hard,” Roberts states. “He brings culture to the team and the guys really like him.”

Normell explains his passion for the game, especially being able to play during his year abroad.

“I love my teammates and my coach and I think more people should go to the games.”

The boys played their final home game in the season victoriously, beating Red Mountain 6-0. Their next game is on Saturday, February 7, 2015 against Hamilton High School at 2 P.M for the single elimination playoff game.