Brazilian exchange student reflects back on his semester at SPHS

Saint Peter High School is fortunate to have foreign exchange students attend classes here during most school years. These students provide a valuable opportunity for our students and staff to learn about a new country and culture, as well as teaching them about life in the U.S.

This year SPHS will have two exchange students attending classes for the 2025-26 school year - Henry Miranda Erbst from Brazil began classes on Tuesday, Jan. 26, along with Masazumi Shindro from Japan who has been here the entire school.

Shindro was profiled in a story earlier this school year, and the following is a Q&A profile of Henry Miranda Erbst:

Parents and family members in Brazil - In Brazil I live with my mom (Cristiane), my dad (Henrique) and my sister (Sofia).

Host family members - My host family is the Kern family (Becky, Rich, and Carter).

Hometown in Brazil - I live in Varginha (pop. 136,000).

Hobbies and interests - I like soccer, hanging out with my friends, biking, and playing RPG (role-playing games).

What is/are your favorite class(es) here at SPHS? - I like all my classes in a certain way. Some are fun and easy while others are interesting. My classes are U.S History, SCC Pre-Calculus, Biology, and English.

What activities are you involved with here? - I am out for track and I also play soccer for a club team.

Have you visited the U.S. before? - Yes, I have been to Florida and Ohio.

What was the biggest adjustment(s) you had to make when you moved here for this school year? - My schedule

Are there any new things you've tried here that you've really enjoyed? - Yes, I really enjoy track! It is very fun!

What do you miss most about life in Brazil? - My family and friends.

Will you have to return to high school back in Brazil, or will you move on to college/post-secondary school? - I will return for one more semester and then graduate.

Is there anywhere here in the U.S. you'd like to visit before returning back to Brazil? - Yes, I would like to visit other states like California and New York.