1) What are some of the differences you’ve noticed between your culture and American culture? What are some aspects of American culture you’re looking forward to? 

If I could describe American culture and the people, I would use the word ‘freely.’ It’s a culture of expression and showing pride in the country. As a German, taking pride in one’s own country can get complicated due to past actions. Otherwise, I am looking forward to an American Christmas, New Year’s, and of course, Independence Day. I wonder if there are noticeable differences when experiencing these holidays. Right now, I can already say that Christmas (and Halloween as well) decorations are a lot more than what I am used to.

2) Can you tell me a bit about how this exchange program that you’re a part of works? How will it impact your schooling once you return to Germany?

I am not participating in any exchange program for my stay, but rather planning my exchange year privately, which is possible because I have US citizenship and family members living here in Plainfield. This allows me to act more freely while I am in my exchange year. For example, I can work here without a work visa and stay through summer break (where most program-based exchange students already have to return to their home country). This exchange year also doesn’t affect my schooling in Germany at all. All my grades, ACT scores, or any other certificates have absolutely no value for my German school, and I will have to redo my junior year in Germany.

3) What is something you’ve enjoyed in your time here? 

I have enjoyed every day here in the US. It honestly feels like a vacation with school. If I had to name a specific event, I would say the football games and homecoming.

4) Do you feel welcomed at Plainfield South? Do you feel like it’s a diverse community? 

I feel very welcomed here at PSHS. From day one, I had nice people around me, letting me sit at lunch with them or inviting me over to their place after football games. I feel like Plainfield South is a very diverse community. There is a broader variety of color here than I have ever experienced, something I find very interesting and cool. Germany has a lot of migration from Middle Eastern countries (mostly Turkey), and  I would consider most German communities diverse. But there aren’t a whole lot of Latino or Black people living in Germany. So although I am used to diversity, this is a different type of diversity I can experience here in the US, and I think that’s a great thing.