Twenty-two students are spending time studying in the U.P.
PALMER -- It was business as usual at the Tilden Mine this morning. But today's tour group was a little different as high school students from six central American countries paid a visit.
The program, which is hosted by NMU, is focused on leadership and entrepreneurship.
"So we decided to come to the mine because this is a very big business in the Upper Peninsula. Many of these students come from communities where they have very big businesses, but they probably won't have the opportunity in their own country to see such a large operation," explained NMU's Coordinator of International Students, Rehema Clarken.
And the students enjoyed seeing all of the operations.
"An interesting process. I'm a chemical engineer and it, like, all comes together in looking at the boilers, looking at the pumps, looking at the way they process the iron and how important it is for northern Michigan actually," described Isaac Ponimanksy of Nicaragua.
But it's not just about learning how the mine works. Students have also been taking in the American culture and the food.
"I've just eaten them for breakfast. It's called bagels. I don't know...bagels! And I liked it," said Raul Amejia of El Salvador.
And while many of the students have liked getting a taste of winter, others prefer the warm climate of their country.
"It's so cold! It's freezing here! I never feel this! It's a new experience," exclaimed Carmen Campos of Costa Rica.
The students will be participating in U.P. activities until February 3. They'll also be taking a trip to Washington, D.C. before returning home.
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