Hello! Interview with Exchangers
By Drew Starr, Grade 12
[Note: In order to maintain the authentic voice of the three students, no grammar edits have been made.]
Each year, Mascoutah is lucky enough to have students from different countries visit our school to learn more about American culture. During their time here, the foreign exchange students encounter new and unexpected experiences. While our culture seems normal to us, it can seem a little strange to people who don't live here. This year, Mascoutah received three students from Czech Republic, France
and Croatia. We asked each one to tell us more about their experiences so far.
Tomas Pozdena- Ahoj!
Where did you come from, and how did you get to the US?
“Czech Republic. So I am sponsored by Rotary- especially by Mascoutah Rotary Club- and my Rotary club in Czech Republic. Rotary is a voluntary organization for people who want to help the community and one of the many programs is the Youth Exchange. ”
What was the first thing you saw in America?
“I remember looking out the windows out of the airplane, the streets were straight and the cars and everything were bigger than in Europe, or you don’t take off your shoes at house.”
What was the first cultural difference you’ve experienced in America?
“When I was the first time in my American school classes, we do not have Pledge of Allegiance. My mother said it is brainwashing!” (Tomas mentioned that his mother was kidding.)
What’s different about American High School than in the Czech Republic?
“At first, you don’t choose your subjects and for your High School you have one class, meaning you stay with the same 30 classmates for your whole attendance on a high school. We normally are 19 when we graduate.”
What is your favorite American word/slang you learned in America and not in English class?
“Bucks. Like in money. It’s just funny. Or Potluck. It also just sounds funny.”
So far, what is your favorite American experience?
“When I stayed with my host family at Ozarks lake. With boats and jetskis, which are super fun.”
How many years of English did you take, and why did you want to come to America?
“At first I took 10 years of English, when I was 7 in the grammar school. I wanted to come to America to experience the culture, meeting new people from other countries and improving my English.”
Is there anything else you want to say?
“I’m just really grateful for where I am, and the people who I’m staying with -Mary Koulda and Jerry Koulda- and of course people from school and Mascoutah Rotary Club.”
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