OPEN provides another opportunity for Taiwanese student

Organization Promoting Everlasting Neighbors (OPEN) celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2016. The program is Newton’s branch of Sister Cities International, which works to create and strengthen partnerships between the United States and international communities.

OPEN’s main focus in recent years has been its student program. Newton’s sister cities are Smila, Ukraine and Wu Chi, Taiwan. Each year, a student from either Ukraine or Taiwan spends a year attending Newton High School and engages in the community.

Jane Ann Cotton has been with OPEN since its beginning. She now coordinates the student program. She is the intermediary between Sister Cities International and the student. After seeing about 40 students go through the program over the years, Cotton said the students gain a lot of confidence in themselves and gain perspective.

“They’ve all said, almost without exception, that it was a life-changing experience for them,” Cotton said. “You know, if you’re 15 or 16, and you’re having that experience — it’s pretty eye-opening.”

This year’s student is Yu Tsen Kuo. He picked the nickname “Andy” to make pronunciation easier for his American peers.

Andy is from Taichung, Taiwan. He said many people in his country want to experience American life. They just need a chance. Andy got that chance after filling out an application and qualifying by proving English proficiency.

“It was always my dream, and it came true now,” he said.

Andy had a brief scare on his flight to the United States, when he realized he forgot his J-1 Visa. The visa is the necessary paperwork required for foreign students to study in America. Luckily, his family in Taiwan was able to send a photo of the document to his phone, and the immigration officers allowed him to proceed.

When he first arrived in Newton, Andy was impressed. Newton may be a long way from Hollywood, but to Andy, his first impressions of small-town Iowa were cinematic.

“I watched some American movies, and it was just like in the movies,” he said. “That’s what I thought. I think it’s a beautiful town. Lots of grass, trees. It’s hard to see that many green plants where I live.”

Soon, it was time for Andy to attend high school in Newton. It was quite an adjustment for the 18-year-old. In Taiwan, high school students stay in the same classroom all day, and the teachers move from class to class.

He had nap time after lunch in Taiwan, but the schedule in Asia was much more demanding. He arrived at school at 7:30 a.m. and did not leave until after 5 p.m. Getting dismissed around 3 p.m. at NHS was completely new for Andy.

“The school is easy (in Newton) compared to the school in Taiwan,” he said. “In Asia, it’s hard.”

What Andy appreciated most about the school system in Iowa was the freedom to choose the courses he was interested in. He said there is much less flexibility in his home country. All subjects are required in Taiwan.

Andy’s interests include music, biology, foreign languages and computer programming. He formed his school schedule to match his passions.

“The education system here, I won’t say it’s better, but it’s better for me,” he said.

Cotton said Andy is performing well in school.

“He never seems to bring homework home,” Cotton said. “But he’s getting all A’s, so he’s doing the work.”

What will Andy tell his friends and family back home after he returns to Taiwan?

“I think I will talk to them about homecoming night at school,” Andy said. “We don’t have many activities in our school (in Taiwan). But here, there are lots of activities, lots of parties in school. It’s kind of cool.”

He will also remember all the unhealthy foods dished up at the Iowa State Fair.

“How you eat — you deep fry everything. You bacon wrap everything,” he said.

Although most of his classmates are freshmen and sophomores due to his enrollment in entry-level courses, Andy was able to make many friends through PE class, which is based on age. Making friends was not a problem for him. Before he arrived in the United States, his image of Americans’ politeness was not overwhelmingly positive. That changed.

“I found out that the people here are very polite,” he said. “You can’t judge some people just on what other people said. The best way is to experience it for yourself.”

Andy is set to live with two Newton families during his stay. He recently moved to his second part-time Iowa home just after Christmas. Cotton sets up the arrangements for housing and contacts the families.

Andy does not know exactly what will be next for him after he returns to Taiwan, but he has a few ideas. He might pursue a law career or some kind of embassy work. His options are open, and he plans to attend university in Taiwan.

“Since I’m here, I think my English abilities are absolutely better than the normal student in Taiwan,” he said. “So I think I can be an English teacher.”

Regardless of the path he chooses, Andy has gained a priceless experience in Newton.

Contact Justin Jagler at 641-792-3121 ext 6532
or jjagler@newtondailynews.com