Polish exchange students stay with Lynn host mother during U.S. visit

LYNN – Exploring a new country can be intimidating and exhilarating at the same time. That is exactly what Barbara Cwikinska and Magda Ostrowska are doing.The two 15-year-old girls from Poland are visiting the United States for the first time via the Lions Youth Exchange Program.Cwikinska and Ostrowska are staying with Lion?s Club member Katie Sirois of Lynn for two weeks.The teenagers have been exploring Massachusetts and Lynn for the past two weeks, and on Saturday will be attending a Lions Youth Summer camp at Bridgewater State University for a week with other foreign students.?We wanted to visit (the) United States,” Ostrowska said, “to see another country and go exploring.”The teenagers have met Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy, gone to York Beach, visited the Franklin Zoo, explored the Lynn Museum and went to their first Red Sox game on Thursday.So far the girls? favorite experience has been visiting the Mount Olive Church. The passionate and musical worship was an experience the girls were wowed by.?Church is very structured and there is no music in Poland,” Ostrowska said. “At one point, we were joking with the priest and that would have never happened in Poland.”In Poland, they are not allowed to expose their arms and show off a lot of leg. “Here it is come as you are,” Ostrowska said.The teenagers have also done a fair bit of shopping and say their favorite American clothing store is Forever 21.They?ve also visited a lot of different restaurants.?In Poland I will have one meal,” Ostrowska said. “Here, I eat all day.”Fluff, which is made in Lynn, is the girls? favorite American food.The teens say they have been impressed by everyone?s outgoing and generous personalities.?Everyone is so happy to meet us,” Cwikinska said. “Everyone is so nice here.”One of the biggest differences the girls have noticed about American culture is how friendly people are.?Everyone says hello to strangers here,” Ostrowska said. “A guy on the beach said hello to me and I was like, hello? That would never happen in Poland.”The teenagers do wish Americans knew more about Poland.?People think that Poland is nothing. That we are a small village,” Ostrowska said. “Katie once asked if we have Coca Cola in Poland. Of course we have Coca Cola.”In Poland the teenagers have been studying English since the first grade.Sirois, the teenagers? host mom, says the experience has been life changing for her.?I was a little nervous about being a single host mother,” Sirois said. “However, they play so well with others. It has been great.”?She is so awesome. She is the best,” Cwikinska said.Sirois has talked with Cwikinska?s parents on Skype.?They told me they don?t have to worry about her when they go to sleep. They trust me. It was a great complement,” Sirois said.The host mother has also befriended some of their friends via Facebook.On their arms, you can spot all three wearing best friends forever bracelets. Sirois admits she is going to be “heartbroken” to see the teens leave.?It is not goodbye. It is see you in my dreams,” Sirois said.Sirois encourages others to volunteer to host foreign exchange students.?Everyone should try it. It is not scary. It is a priceless experience,” Sirois said.