By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Despite being so far away from their homes, the Dutch exchange students say they couldn't be happier while in Niles.
The group of 12 students and their two chaperones arrived in the area late on Friday, too late to see a thrilling overtime win by the Brandywine football team against Bridgman.
Ewout Gerades and Monique Van Amersfoort, teachers at the Gorinchem school which the students attend in Gorinchem, The Netherlands, said the group has really enjoyed their time in Niles so far.
The Dutch students presented the board with a book on the Dutch culture for the school's newly-remodeled media center.
While in the United States, the Dutch students are able to get a taste of the American culture.
Dave Roeder, social studies teacher at Brandywine High School, explained to the board the Dutch students will follow a traditional maroon and gold schedule as they attend classes at Brandywine for four days.
Roeder added, on Saturday the group traveled to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, despite poor weather and had a great time.
Later this week, they will travel to Chicago where they will get to see the Hancock Building, the Museum of Science and Industry and Navy Pier.
The students will also be treated to an American Thanksgiving dinner, a trip the University of Notre Dame and Lake Michigan and some will attend the Brandywine versus Berrien Springs football game on Friday.
Gerades added the group holds a special place in their hearts for the Brandywine community as this is the fourth year for the exchange program between the two schools.
Each of the past four years, the Dutch have come to the Brandywine during the fall semester and then the Brandywine students go to The Netherlands in the spring.
Carlyn Van Der Werff, another student, added though it's strange to be away from their families and living with people they don't know, the Dutch students are still having a great time and it's a wonderful experience to be able to take part in.
The students commented on how things here are actually different than what they thought they would be.
The one thing the students said is true is Americans eat much more fast food than they do in The Netherlands.
The Dutch students will return home on Oct. 21, after their two-week stay in the United States.