First Exchange Student from Culver High wants to go to Japan

CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Bethany Hale, a freshman at Culver High School, wants to become the school's first foreign exchange student.

She's been accepted into the CIEE study abroad program. Hale plans to study in Kyoto, Japan, aiming to immerse herself in the culture and language that will support her future career aspirations.

Culver High School has previously hosted foreign exchange students from other countries, but Hale's trip would be the first time a Culver student will study abroad.

Hale told KTVZ she wanted to become an animator and admired Japanese animation. And so, she wants to go to Japan to peruse her ambitions.

"I am hoping to learn the language and more learn more about the culture, because I'll have to go there and probably be there for a long time for a job or my job or something," Hale said. "So I thought it would be super cool. And also, I do really like stuff I've seen about over there."

To fund her year abroad, Hale is actively using an online fundraiser. She is also collecting cans and setting aside her own money for the trip.

Hale has already begun preparing for her immersive experience by learning basic Japanese using a conversational app.