Gabriella Milanez Kirk Da Fonseca is a freshman at Seneca Valley Intermediate High School, but she is originally from Brazil and is going back to Brazil soon. Gabriella has made many friends during her time in America, and she is going to be missed when she moves back to Brazil.

Question 1- Why did you become an exchange student? And how did your family and friends feel about this decision?

Answer- I decided to be an exchange student because I want to go to college in another country that isn’t Brazil or America, and being an exchange student will give me experience to impress the college. My family thinks I’m crazy for being an exchange student and they are sad that I’m not with them.

Question 2- What part about America were you most excited for? Did this influence your decision to come to America at all?

Answer- I was most excited to see the snow and try ice skating because we don’t have it in Brazil. No, it didn’t have anything to do with me coming to America.

Question 3- What was the scariest part of moving away from your home? Did you get homesick or regret being an exchange student at times?

Answer- Meeting new people and learning their habits was scary for me because I might not get along with some people. I didn’t get homesick, but I miss my parents. I don’t regret my decision, but I do wish I would’ve made my trip a little more adventurous.

Question 4- Did you always know you wanted to be a foreign exchange student? Did you get to decide where in America you got to go?

Answer- Yes, I always knew I wanted to be a foreign exchange student. I came to Pittsburgh because this is where my aunt lives, and I was only allowed to come if I stayed with her.

Question 5- How were your classes in Brazil different than your classes in America? Did you have an easier time learning in America or Brazil?

Answer- Brazil has a stronger education system. They have bigger tests, more work, and harder assignments, and the teachers are a lot meaner. I had an easier time learning in Brazil though.

Question 6- Would you say the food from Brazil or Pennsylvania is better? What kind of food do you miss the most?

Answer- Brazil’s food has more spice and flavor, and the United States’ food isn’t as natural and is not nutritious. I miss the meat in Brazil; it was better than it is here.

Question 7- Did your style or music taste change at all during your time in America? How did that happen?

Answer- No because Brazil loves Americans’ style so it’s similar in Brazil and America.

Question 8- Do you have any family you’re staying with? Have you been staying in touch with your family in Brazil?

Answer- I’m staying with my aunt and cousins. Yes, I’m talking to my family back in Brazil through Facetime and texting.

Question 9- How was your trip from Brazil to Pennsylvania? Did you travel alone?

Answer- My trip was terrifying because I hate planes. I had to take two planes to get to Pennsylvania and I had to stop in New York. I came to America with my mom, but I have to fly back to Brazil alone.

Question 10- When you grow up would you rather live in Brazil or America?

Answer- I want to live in Italy because it seems beautiful there. Not Brazil because it is sometimes dangerous there.