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Wayland Student Press

The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press

The student news site of Wayland High School

Wayland Student Press

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Johannes's perspective on America

johannes

Johannes (Jojo) Bremberger is an exchange student from Germany attending the junior class at Wayland High School. He has already spent four months in the United States, and I thought I’d ask a few questions about his transition from Germany and to see what he thinks of his host country.

What did you expect to experience when you decided to live in the U.S?

I expected (that) everyone (would) be kind to me. I was not afraid to be away from my family for a year because I thought it would be interesting to see how people in another country exist, and also to learn about a different culture. I had a goal to become fluent in a different language, and people in Germany are always speaking of Americans. I was curious to see if all the (stereotypes) about Americans were true, because there were so many.

What surprised you most about America?

What surprised me the most was that friends meet (hang out) during sports when you participate in them, instead of directly after school. Also what surprised me was that so many people were eager to meet me. Most people seemed interested and willing to come say hello to me. I got so many friendly greetings, even on the first day of school. I have become friends with so many people that I never thought I would speak to in Germany.

What are some things that are different between Germany and America?

There is a major difference in the school systems. In Germany, the school grades are split up much differently than the four-year high school system in America. There is a choice between a five, six, and nine-year high school program following elementary school. In Germany, school started at 7:45 and ended at 1:00. Then twice a week school was extended to 3:30. It was a little difficult to adjust to that change. The biggest difference between my Germany school and Wayland is that there was no school spirit in Germany. Wayland seems to be really into (school) pride and unity within the school.

What had you heard about Americans before you came here?

[I heard that] they are fat (only eat McDonalds), they have big cars, and they drive too much just because they feel like it. Also that they always wear sunglasses, they like to spend a lot of money, they don’t care about other countries, or have knowledge about other countries and even their own country. I had heard that Americans were ignorant and felt like they had the right to control the world because they have power, and lastly that they like to fight and kill people [Iraq]. In Germany, you don’t hear too many positive things about Americans, but I was still under the impression that they would be welcoming and be good hosts for me.

So after 4 months in the U.S., have you found any of these stereotypes to be true?

I have seen a little bit of everything in America. I’ve seen more overweight people in Germany than in America, and [I learned] you drive often because you need to, not only because you like to. I learned that at Wayland High School and in America many people care about other countries, and have knowledge of their own. My stay in Wayland and at Wayland High School taught me that stereotypes should not [dictate how one views] the country as a whole, because there are a lot of people who don’t fit into the stereotypes. For the most part, I have found a lot of fun and exciting people [in America] and these people are the best part of what I have [experienced] in this country.

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    otherJan 29, 2009 at 6:57 PM

    what a great idea for an article! did you consider asking Bianca (a girl who also is staying in the states from Germany) questions as well?

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