Beyond Borders

I had the opportunity to sit down with the newest foreign exchange students and ask them a few questions about their culture. Both Mathieu Josson and Yuchen seem overwhelmingly excited to experience this opportunity and learn about features of American culture. When asked why they want to study in the US, Mathieu states “it’s always been a dream of mine.” Asking Yuchen the same question, she reflected on how interested in America she is, and she also wants to feel “different.” Both from very different cultures and countries, Mathieu from the second largest city in France, and Yuchen, from mid China, both have had quite the culture shock coming from America.

School in their country is a lot different than here. Yuchen starts in the morning and gets to leave at 6 p.m. Mathieu, on the other hand, in a way gets to choose when he wants to come to school he just has to get a certain amount of hours in. Sitting down and speaking one on one was an amazing way of learning their cultures.