By Lexi MooreGeorgina Kusi grew up in Ghana, Africa. When she was 16 she visited relatives in New Jersey and New York City and immediately decided to plan a return trip to America.After finishing school in Accra, Ghana, Georgina enrolled in the Center for Cultural Interchange. Through this program she was given the opportunity to spend 10 months with the Merle and Shelly Knobloch family in Hills, Minnesota.Accra, Georgina’s home town, is an urban city in the warmer region of Africa. She has been adjusting to the many changes since moving to southwestern Minnesota. There aren’t many farms in the area near Accra, where farming is not considered a respectable occupation.The size of Hills was also a shock to Georgina. "There is always something going on," she said of her home town. "There is church, family and laughter." Naomi, Georgina’s mother, encouraged her to learn and speak English in addition to French and her native language Twi. An English book, "Little Red Riding Hood," was given to her when she was only 3 years old. Her language skills have made her adjustment to American life much easier. Transitioning to school in AmericaAttending Hills-Beaver Creek has been very different from the schooling Georgina received in Ghana.There were 500 seniors in her graduating class. At H-BC every class is small and students get more individual attention from teachers. Georgina was accustomed to having 40 students in a room at one time.Another difference is the absence of religion from American schools. Every day at her former school started with prayer. "I miss praying in school. Also I miss the politeness of my classmates."She has noticed that students at H-BC are not as respectful toward their teachers and peers. She doesn’t hear "thank you," "excuse me" or "I’m sorry" as often as she did in Ghana.Georgina has volunteered at the H-BC elementary school, where she spoke with the sixth grade class about her experiences in Africa. She said students were excited about her photos and stories, but they wondered why she couldn’t say more about African animals, despite her explanation that she grew up in a large city. Next summer when Georgina’s time with the Knobloch family is over, she hopes to continue her adventure in America. When asked about her plans for the future, Georgina replied, "My future is so bright we had better wear shades."She has applied for several scholarships from the University of Minnesota and would like to get her pre-law degree. Her family has encouraged her to use all of the resources she can while she is here.Georgina said her placement in Hills has opened her eyes to a different side of America than she had expected. She said she’s grown to appreciate many of Hills’ qualities. "It is so peaceful here. I think I will build a house in this area someday," she said. "There are no thieves, and the people are so nice."