Photo by Courtesy Photo

Omal Ryspayev traveled to America from Kazakhstan with the Future Leadership Exchange Program

As he steps out of the airport, foreign exchange student Omal Ryspayev can’t help but stare at everything new he sees. The skyscraping buildings, speedy cars, fascinating people- it’s all different to him. He smiles to himself, excited for everything America has to offer.

“I want to feel the American life,” Ryspayev said. “I want to have the best experience an American could have here.”

Ryspayev is a part of the Future Leadership Exchange (FLEX) Program that provides scholarships for high school students from Eurasia to attend an American high school for one academic school year. Coming from Kazakhstan, he lives with his host family until his term has ended.

“It’s such a great program to be a part of,” Ryspayev said. “It’s amazing to experience American customs and traditions.”

Though the cultural shock can be overwhelming to Ryspayev, he enjoys seeing American customs. He takes interest in how contrastive his home country is with ours. Ryspayev becomes fascinated with the pace of America, and how opportunities we have here allow us to have so much success. He also appreciates American cuisine, interesting lingo and the openness of people.

“I take interest in cultural exchange in this country,” Ryspayev explains. “I like to tell people about my country and why I love it.”

Legacy students enjoy learning Ryspayev’s customs and take interest in his culture. Students often ask about where he comes from and how different his culture is with their own. Ryspayev’s friends find inspiration in his enthusiasm and confidence when coming into such a new environment.

“He’s very interesting,” junior Bryce Borcherding said. “It’s amazing to see how well he’s adapted to our customs this fast.”

Though Ryspayev’s term ends after one academic year here at Legacy, he plans on talking to his counselors about staying his senior year as well.

“My adventure here just started,” Ryspayev said. “I hope to see more of America during this wonderful year.”

Unfortunately, due to some complications, Ryspayev was transferred to another host family in Copperas Cove. Though he’s enjoyed his stay here in Mansfield, he’s excited to continue the FLEX program and see more of America.

“I will miss Legacy and all of the amazing people I’ve met there,” Ryspayev said. “I’m very excited to explore more of Texas and meet more people!”