by Anjali Verma ‘20

Originally from Bar, Montenegro, junior Amir Cuturic, a highly involved student with a huge appetite for learning, is a new exchange student here at Sherwood. Staying for the full school year, he is a part of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program, as was last year exchange student, Armen Mkrtumyan. Cuturic also happens to be staying with the same family as Mkrtumyan.

The FLEX program is funded by the U.S. Department of State, which supports students from Europe and Eurasia with merit-based scholarships as they spend one academic year immersed in the United States experience. Students across 21 countries come to America to gain leadership skills and learn about American culture while also forming new relationships with citizens of the U.S. and other countries.
Cuturic first learned about FLEX in his first year of high school from a peer in his town who had also been a part of the program. Cuturic decided to apply, making him one of 30,000 applicants being considered for an 800-slot program.

Cuturic has taken advantage of the athletics program here at Sherwood and uses it as an outlet for him to meet new people. This fall, he participated in cross country, finding the meets the best and most interesting part. He noticed that sports are taken way more seriously in the United States. Now, in the winter season, he is a part of the swim and dive team and in the spring, hopes to continue participating in Sherwood sports.

While he is here, Cuturic is tasked with three projects. The first is to discuss leadership with a leader in the community. Cuturic chose his cross country coach, Dan Reeks. “His guidance and sense of direction are my example of a successful leader,” said Cuturic. The second project involves discussing cultural differences and first impressions with another person who is not from the United States. The third project requires students to participate in a community-service effort. In addition to these, FLEX students take many excursions together throughout the year.

Cuturic pointed out that the main differences between Montenegrin and American culture are communication and emphasis on athletics. “Back home, small talk is not so common,” said Cuturic, “and our school system isn’t focused on sports almost at all. Playing a sport for school is quite [uncommon] and not given as much attention as it is in the U.S.” Despite the differences, Cuturic is excited to learn more and gain new perspectives during his year here.

Just like any other Sherwood student, Cuturic faces the struggles that come along with AP classes and the pressure to stay above water in the competitiveness of American culture. However, his eagerness to learn has made his experiences extremely enjoyable. Cuturic looks forward to pursuing a STEM pathway in college, which he hopes to experience in Europe.

“I would recommend this experience to everyone who has the chance to do so,” said Cuturic. “Not only did it provide me with a first-hand insight in a totally different culture, but it has enabled me to observe my culture from the outside and understand it even better.”