It is not uncommon for families to move cities and for teens to have to learn to adapt to a new school, but Mike and John Huang face a challenge far greater than moving just between cities. Traveling all the way from China, Carlsbad welcomes these two brothers to the CHS junior class.

The Huang brothers found this opportunity from a friend they know who also lives in the United States. Once they heard about this, the twins took the chance and moved halfway across the world to the suburban beach city of Carlsbad.  With many different options to choose from, one might ask, why Carlsbad? However, California seemed to be the clear choice for the Huang brothers.

“Here there is a better education, and there is also a better environment for our education,” Mike said. “This school is much more relaxed, so we have a lot more free time to do other things.”

Not only are they studying at CHS, but they are also getting involved in different activities and clubs, which helps them meet new people.

“I joined the Red Cross Club and the Robotics Club,” Mike said. “I have met a few new friends from diverse backgrounds.”

John also adapts to what Carlsbad offers, but misses a few aspects about China that he cannot find here in the west coast.

“This school is pretty easy,” John said. “And I also joined the Red Cross Club, but I will mostly be looking forward to buying Chinese food again. We cannot get any quality Chinese food here.”

The Huangs adapted well to their new home, and have grown to especially appreciate the varying qualities of the individuals at CHS.

“I think CHS is beautiful; it is a big school and I think I can make a lot of friends,” Mike said. “But, I am pretty interested in the different colored hair. The people here look really awesome.”

They have already lived here for a year, however their visit will continue. These brothers are becoming permanent citizens of the United States.

“We are now residents of California,” John said. “But we will go back to China for summer vacation.”

Besides the differences they have found in education, they have also come to recognize the differences in culture.

“The main difference, of course would be language,” Mike said. “The way we think of things is different to Americans. The cultures, like the way we talk, go to school and even eat, are all different compared to China.”

Adjusting to a new country seems difficult, but these brothers put are learning to put the differences they have found between China and California aside and embrace life from the opposite side of the world.