Coming to the United States as an exchange student could be a frightening prospect, but 16-year-old Louise Dillen seems to have taken it all in stride.

Dillen is from Ostend, Belgium, and is nearing the end of her stay with Clint and Loree Hall of Smithville. Dillen has been in the US since last June, and as the day of her return home on June 4 nears, she spoke with the Review on subjects such as the differences between Tennessee and Belgium, and whether Dairy Queen Blizzards are a suitable substitute for Belgian chocolate.

She said that there are marked differences between Belgium and Tennessee, as well as similarities.

“School days here are shorter, so you have more time to play sports or hang out,” Dillen told the Review. “Belgium is also a really small country, so all the cities are close to each other. You don't have to drive far to get somewhere. Here everyone knows each other because Smithville only counts 4000 inhabitants, on the other hand, my city in Belgium counts 70,000 people. I really like the small town feeling. We can drive at the age of 18, but we can drink wine and beer when we are 16. You can also choose which school you go to, we have about 10 high schools in Ostend, but you can even go to a different city if you would like that. School is harder, but we also have different classes where you go too. We have seven classes every day.

“We do have McDonalds and Pizza Hut but we don't have as many other chains. We don't visit drive-ins that often. Sports are not connected to high schools or colleges, but you have bunches of choices. You can play ping pong, rope skipping, soccer, diving, volleyball, mountain biking, basketball... We also use bicycles and public transportation. You wouldn't find as many country flags as here. We speak Dutch in the part of Belgium where I live.” 

She said some common misconceptions about her home in Europe have popped up during her stay here.

“In Europe, we drive at the right side of the road, only the UK drives left,” Dillen informed. “We also have refrigerators, dentists and spoons. And we don't live on the streets. Everyone has a nice house, just like here. We listen to the same kind of English music, and watch the same movies. We just watch them with Dutch subtitles. Women do not change their last names when they marry.

She said her sweet tooth for Belgian chocolate was kept under control with packages from home during her visit, but will have a hard time letting go of Dairy Queen Blizzards, which will likely not ship to Ostend well.

People sent me a lot of chocolate from Belgium so I don't miss it too much. I do miss the freedom, because in Belgium I can get everywhere, but here I need someone to drive me. I am more independent, because I know the city and how everything works.

“When I came here, I knew I would go back to Belgium in a few months. That's why I didn't have to miss everyone too much. But I don't have an airplane ticket to come back here. That makes it way harder to leave everyone. I will miss my friends here and all the spare time I have. I will have a hard time, because I will be pulled out of my life here. I will miss blizzards from Dairy Queen, sports games, the really hot weather and long car drives.”

Dillen said her mother and father in Belgium have been very supportive.

“My mama is Els Hamelton,” she said. “She is a police officer in Ostend. She likes to travel and read books. She is the one who really loved my idea to go on an exchange year. My papa is Patrick Dillen. He is a firemen and paramedic. He loves to drive his motorcycle.” 

She said her Tennessee parents have been very helpful as well, and may have spoiled her a bit.

“My mom is Loree Hall. She works for ISE (International Student Exchange),” Dillen shared. “She is searching for more families who would like to host a student. She likes basketball and going out for dinner. She is really artistic and loves to craft, just like me. My dad is Clint Hall, he is administrator of NHC healthcare. He likes to go out on the boat and go golfing. My dad is so great, and helps me every day.

  “I want to thank all my parents for giving me such a great experience and showing me the world. They have been great for me. I have been one very spoiled child here, and I will be always grateful that the Halls shared their love and life with me.”

She said she loves both countries, and could not choose a favorite.

“I do not particularly like the USA or Belgium better, they are just different, and they both have a special place in my heart,” Dillen concluded.