Kim, 15, is one of the three American exchange students whose year abroad forms the narrative portion of The Smartest Kids in the World. Kim is from Sallisaw, Oklahoma, and stands out for her self-awareness, drive, and curiosity about the world beyond her small town. Feeling out of place in a culture that prioritizes sports and tradition over intellectual pursuits, Kim sought out an exchange opportunity in Finland after reading that it has “the smartest students in the world” (40). Her journey was particularly emotional and psychological, as she grappled with cultural isolation and self-doubt and eventually ventured toward self-discovery.

Kim’s story illustrates many of the book’s broader ideas, including the importance of student autonomy, the psychological toll of pressure, and the role of cultural fit in student success. By following Kim, Ripley provides insight not only into the strengths of Finnish education, such as high expectations, strong teacher training, and academic seriousness, but also into where it is lacking, particularly in integrating immigrants and outsiders. Kim’s final decision to finish her senior year virtually rather than return to an American high school speaks to the kind of independence and self-direction she developed abroad.

Eric, 18, is another American exchange student featured in the book. He is from a suburban community in Minnesota and opted to study in South Korea, a country known for its intense, high-pressure education system. At home, Eric was already a high-achieving student enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program, but he wanted a completely different perspective before starting college. His experience in Busan, South Korea, delivered exactly that, revealing both the benefits and downsides of extreme academic rigor and demonstrating What Defines a Quality Education.

Eric’s story is informative because it provides a critical counterpoint to the assumption that high test scores always indicate a high-quality education. Through his eyes, readers see that while South Korean students are disciplined and high achieving, they often lack the freedom and balance that make education meaningful and sustainable. Eric’s time abroad shaped his understanding of what matters in education and in life, leading him to seek out a more balanced and humane approach to learning on his return to the United States.