Studying abroad during the time of COVID January 26 2021
Thomas Schaper, who is studying at Estacada High School, is selected as ICES student of the month
It s been an unusual year to be a foreign exchange student, but Thomas Schaper is enjoying his time in Estacada.
Schaper, 16, of Berlin, Germany, has been selected as the International Cultural Exchange Services student of the month for January. He is staying with the Rex family in Estacada and attending Estacada High School. Schaper is one of 600 high school exchange students who came to the United States through ICES this school year.
Just one week after arriving in Estacada, Schaper and his host family had to evacuate because of the Clackamas County Wildfires, one of which came within a half mile of city limits. Schaper and the Rexes stayed at a hotel and then with relatives before the evacuation order was lifted. Schaper credits the experience with helping him bond with his host family.