Nancy Lilja '69 and Tom Peterson '70 were notified the last week in October that they were selected as semi‑finalists in the American Field Service student foreign exchange program.

Good grades, two years of a foreign language, and the ability to adapt to conditions away from home were some of the re­quirements to become one of Maine West's applicants sent to New York for the exchange student program.

Out of the many Maine West students who applied, 12 were chosen and interviewed with their families by the Des Plaines Chapter of the AFS. Subjects discussed were their interests, goals, and reasons for applying.

These 12 applicants were narrowed down to five. Each of the five was questioned on United States policies and other topics for 15 minutes by a special committee.

These five were able to attend the AFS picnic late in October. Also in attendance were: exchange students from other schools and representatives from area schools such as Arlington, Prospect, Maine East, and Maine South.

At the picnic the students were put into different discussion groups and asked questions about such things as their understanding on United States' policies. The purpose was for the AFS committee to observe how the students acted socially and got along with different people.

After the picnic Nancy and Tom were notified about being selected as AFS semifinalists.

Nancy Lilja became interested in the AFS student foreign exchange program when she applied and was selected to be host sister to this year's Maine West exchange student, Gabiella Albanese, but Gabiella was unable to come.

Nancy was informed that she had been selected as a semifinalist just before school. "I started to cry. I just could not believe that I was really selected, although I still have to be selected in New York before I become a finalist."

Nancy wants to be a foreign exchange student because, as she explained, "I'll have different kinds of experiences I would not be able to have in the United States. And, I would get to travel and meet so many people."

Nancy plans to go to Iowa State University where she will major in math. If she is chosen as a finalist, her studies would be interrupted for a year.

"I almost fell over. It was so unbelievable. I was so surprised!" was Tom Peterson's reaction when he was notified that his name would be sent to New York for further consideration.

Tom has worked with the AFS committee in Student Council in his two years in Council.

Tom commented on his reasons for applying. "I can get to know people and take part in their customs. I will be able to talk about American life and bring back knowledge of the country."

He also added he did not care where he was sent. He hopes to see much, make friends, and learn the customs.

Princeton or Harvard is where Tom would like to enter as a science and math major.

From all over the country about 3,000 applications are sent to New York for further consideration. Out of these 3,000 ap­plications, 1,500 are chosen to become actual exchange students.

Tom and Nancy will not know until March or April if they have been chosen as finalists. The applicants who are chosen are subject to extensive questioning and interviewing. The host families with whom the students will live are selected with great care and must also be interviewed by many specialists.