Lena Dejager, 15, of Black Forest, Germany, is a new international student this year, as part of School District #6’s International Student Program.

Dejager claims that she is enjoying her first year of school in Canada at David Thompson Secondary, in Invermere.

“It’s nice, and easy,” Dejager says, in comparison to her schooling in Germany. “They have different subjects here.”

Though Dejager said she knew some English before making the transition to English learning in British Columbia, she feels that since she’s been in Invermere, her English has “gotten a lot better”.

Dejager has yet to try any new foods exclusive to Canada, but she has finally gotten around to tasting peanut butter for the first time.

“We have it in Germany, but I’ve really never tried it,” she explained.

Dejager says that one of the largest differences between Invermere and Germany is that people are more “open”.

“They’re kinder and friendlier,” she said. “They’re more ‘open’ about things.”

Something strange for Dejager, though, has been watching residents driving across Lake Windermere.

“I’ve seen people do it, but I haven’t done it,” Dejager said. “I’m not afraid of it, though.”

Rocky Mountain School District No. 6 offers an International Student Program that has been in operation since 1987. Since its start, the program offered in the communities of Golden, Invermere and Kimberley has hosted full-time and short-term students from throughout Europe, Latin America, Asia, the United States and Australia.