Local exchange student has long trip after graduation

Tanna Cochrane and Christina Russell - Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- A student exchange program allows a person from a school in one country to study abroad for a year to examine academic as well as cultural differences.

One foreign exchange student at Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) is senior Hannah Akervold. She's from Norway and has spent her senior year here studying the US.

Akervold has made several friends throughout the year, "I am devastated to have to leave my new friends, but I will be back in Florida to visit them soon, so hopefully we will stay connected.

"I am excited to go home and catch up with my old friends. It's been around 10 months since I last saw them," Akervold added.

Akervold plans to attend a university in Norway this fall to continue her education. She made this decision based on the price difference. College education is free in Norway.

Akervold said, "The schools in Norway are very laid back; when I came to Florida, I was shocked at the number of rules and regulations there were to follow. For example, if we needed to leave school early, go to the washroom, or speak to another teacher we do not need a pass; you can just get up and go."

After Akervold graduates, she wants to move back to America and start her career as a marine biologist. Her parents fully support her decision and are excited for all her future endeavors.

Stay updated on important LRHS news and share what you like by following our Twitter @LRHSNews1, Instagram @mustangs_ahead, and follow the Mustangs Ahead Podcast on itunes or Soundcloud.