The Leesville Road High School exchange students come from all over the world. Leesville continues its tradition of international exchange, fostering global citizens through shared culture in the 2025-26 school year. (Photo used by permission of the San Francisco Foghorn)

The 2025-26 international exchange program is underway at Leesville Road High School, bringing students from four different nations to the Raleigh area. These visitors are residing with local host families while attending classes alongside the Leesville student body for the duration of the school year. 

Khongorzul Orkhontur

Khongorzul Orkhontur, a student from Mongolia, is currently completing a 10-month exchange at Leesville. Having finished her first semester, she is scheduled to remain in the community until June. 

During her stay, Orkhontur has spent her time making new friends in the Asian Student Union and trying out new electives that were not offered in her home country. For her final semester, she plans to participate in spring sports to further engage with the school body.

“I was nervous at first, but my counselors and the teachers were so kind, sweet, and open-minded. People here are so generous, and they help me a lot,” said Orkhontur, a junior. Orkhontur stated that her primary goals for studying in the United States were to meet new people and practice her English in an immersive environment.

Leena Borriwansri

Leena Borriwansrir, from Thailand, is midway through a 10-month stay at Leesville.

During her time in the United States, Leena has been soaking in the American high school experience by joining a multitude of clubs, such as the executive council and the Asian Student Union. Her favorite part of America so far has been eating at Chick-fil-A, a restaurant experience not offered in Thailand. 

Borriwansri has two host siblings attending Leesville: Simone and Armaan Ravindran. “She’s really vibrant, really brings a sense of life to our family,” said Armaan Ravindran, a junior. 

“It was my dream to come to the United States since I was twelve. I saw a YouTube video of a Thai student coming to the U.S. for an exchange year. That really inspired me,” said Borriwansri, a junior. After receiving a scholarship to come to the US, Borrinwansri was able to fulfill her dream. 

Naomi Samulski Dorner

Currently enrolled in a 10-month exchange program, Germany native Naomi Samulski Dorner has finished her first semester at Leesville. Her exchange is scheduled to continue until her departure in June.

While at Leesville, Samulski Dorner has focused her studies on American arts, specifically dance and fashion. Although she initially found it challenging to establish social circles within existing student groups, she has since developed new friendships.“I chose America because it’s a pretty popular choice among people in Germany, and I really wanted to have the American high school experience with the school sports and the classes,” said Naomi Samulski Dorner, a junior.

 

She has three Leesville siblings: Everett and James Parkin (high school students) and Lillian Parkin (Leesville Middle School student). Having a pre-existing connection to the school community through her host family contributed to her smooth transition at the start of the academic year.

Samulski Dorner hopes to join the lacrosse team before the end of her year at Leesville, a sport not widely played in German schools. 

Julia Lorenzo

Julia Lorenzo is a Spanish exchange student. 

Lorenzo has spent her time at Leesville establishing new social connections and maintaining a consistent fitness routine. Her interests have included watching American sports and participating in elective courses that feature practical, hands-on activities.

“People here are really nice. They really talk to you. Of course, there are all kinds of people, but you can find many good people at Leesville,” said Julia Lorenzo, a junior. 

Lorenzo’s time at Leesville remains centered on her commitment to her fitness routine and her engagement with the school community and friends. She looks forward to maintaining these connections and interests through the end of her stay in June.