The War
I. Military training.
A. What is Basic training- over 40 percent of those who enlist in the military do not make it through the first four years. Significant portions of these do not even make it through boot camp. For many, this is because of unrealistic expectations.
1. Basic training in the Army is designed to lay a foundation for discipline and basic combat.
2. A significant portion of your nine weeks at Army Boot Camp will be taken up with marching, drill, ceremonies, and lots & lots of standing in formation.
B. Phases of Basic Training.
1. Army Basic Training is divided into three phases: Phase I (Red Phase), Phase II (White Phase), and Phase III (Blue Phase). Before you're allowed to begin Phase I, however, you have to spend time in Purgatory, officially known as The Reception Battalion.
2. The reception Battalion- Many people say this is the hardest part. It consists of getting all official Army clothing and a lot of waiting.
a. While in the Reception Battalion, you'll get your shots, process your paperwork, be issued your uniforms, and get your haircut.
b. After a few weeks of being here you are loaded onto a bus and brought to boot camp.
3. Phase I is also known as the "Red Phase," or "Patriot Phase."
a. Three weeks long.
b. Every move you make during this time is watched and corrected by a drill sergeant.
c. During the first week, you'll start Physical Training, and you'll also be given an initial PT Test. This test requires a little bit more than the screening in the Reception Battalion: push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run.
d. Wake up at 4:30am- 9:00pm
e. Move from an individual to a team.
4. Phase II- this is known as the "White Phase," or "Gunfighter Phase."
a. You will spend most of this time in ranges, learning how to fire your gun and begin using grenades.
b. Obstacle courses.
c. During Phase II, you'll continue daily PT, as well as practice basic drill and ceremonies.
5. Phase III: Phase III is the "Blue Phase," or "Warrior Phase."
a. Take your final PT test during your first week here.
b. You'll learn how to set up tents, go on night patrols, and perform night operations.
c. Begin field training.
1. Become a solider, no longer a civilian.
d. Spend final week getting ready for graduation.
C. Advanced Individual Training (AIT)
1. This is where you will learn the skills you will need to perform your Army job.
2. This is after you complete Basic Combat Training.
3. Gain discipline and work ethic.
4. You’ll receive hands-on training and field instruction to make you an expert in that specific career field.
2. War
A. Deployment.
1. Alert: A reserve soldier receives notice of orders to active duty. The person prepares for a transition from Reserve Component to Active Component status.
2. Mobilization at Home Station: The reserve soldier assembles at home station and begins active duty.
3. Movement to Mobilization Stations: The reserve person departs from its home station and travels to the mobilization site -- either in the U.S. or overseas.
4. Operation Readiness Improvement: The reserve unit makes final preparation before actual deployment at mobilization site.
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/armyjoin/l/aaarmybasic3.htm
http://www.goarmy.com/life/advanced_individual_training.jsp
war 1-4: http://www.military.com/benefits/resources/deployment/mobilization-and-deployment
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Final paper
My final paper topic is going to look at people returning from war, and what they experienced.
Main points:
-Prewar
- war
- post War
Main points:
-Prewar
- war
- post War
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Interview 2- Finland
When I began getting ready for my second interview, I started by reviewing my first interview. This would give me ideas, things to work on, and questions I wanted to ask again. This helped me write new questions, and chose questions I did not want to ask again. I also added more objectives to the list I already had. I found my objectives helped me to stay on task and work toward my goals, and get as much information as possible. When I chose a location for my second interview, I picked three locations and gave Niklas the option to choose where he would feel most comfortable. I picked locations that were more laid back; because this is the feeling I wanted my interview to have. When getting ready for my interview, I made sure I had all things I needed: Voice recorder, pen, paper, objectives, and interview questions.
I made a phone call to Susan, the head of foreign exchange students for the metro area. She gave me the number to a 17 year old boy named Niklas from Finland. Niklas has spent a few months in America already, so I thought he would be perfect. When I called Niklas, I explained to him and his host family what my project was and why I wanted to conduct an interview with him. He was very happy to meet with me, and set up an interview. He and I met the next day at a coffee shop near his host family’s home. I gave him the option to choose where we would meet, so he would feel comfortable when talking to me. Niklas was very open and we had a great time learning about each other, and each other’s countries.
On October 30th, 2009 Niklas and I met at Starbucks Coffee to have an interview and talk about Finland. Through the whole interview he was very open with me and I was happy that I could make him feel this way. I let him run the interview in a way. After asking questions I would give him a chance to go down another pathway or keep talking about this topic. I found that many of his answers were “it’s just like her (as in America)”. This made it hard for me to learn a lot about his country. He was very open about it, but it made it hard to find the differences between America and Finland.
I conducted my interview with a 17 year old boy named Niklas from Finland. Niklas has spend three months in Minnesota so far, and is not sure when he will be returning. He is enjoying his time here, learning new experiences, and meeting new people. Niklas enjoys spending time with his family, friends and playing hockey. He has been able to play hockey as a goalie at his new school in Minnesota, West Tonka High School. Niklas plans on becoming a doctor in his future.
The interview went very well in my opinion. I felt it was very laid back and he was very open. During the whole interview I found that Niklas was answering questions saying that “it’s just like here”. For example, I asked him what the biggest holidays are in Finland. Niklas answered: “It is just like here Christmas is very big”. I had to ask him to specifically tell me a holiday that is big in Finland to learn about his culture. Another thing I was trying to learn about what his family life was like. All he told me was that it’s about the same as here, with a few differences, but nothing really big. I found that my two other interviews gave me more information about the culture and country. One thing I found interesting about the interview was when we talked about sports in Finland. Niklas told me that most hockey players in Finland play at the highest professional level then they come to America to play. Something very interesting to me was that Niklas was fine with coming to America and being behind in school when he gets back to Finland. This is very interesting to me, because I feel like most students in America would not travel abroad if they knew they were not getting credit for their schooling abroad.
Finland is very special in many ways; one big thing is Finland is the first European country to have a female prime minister and first female president. Like Minnesota, Finland has many lakes and rivers. Finland is three times the size of Ohio, and is heavily forested. In 1971 Finland had complete freedom after World War II, when they were able to stop the invasion of the Soviet Union. In the subsequent half century, the Finns made a remarkable transformation from a farm/forest economy to a diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is now among the highest in Western Europe (1). The Fins have a well structured and well rounded economy like, the UK, Germany, and Italy. Its key economic sector is manufacturing - principally the wood, metals, engineering, telecommunications, and electronics industries (1). Even though Finland has one of the best markets in the EU, in 2008 alone the unemployment rate has gone up eight percent. Long-term challenges include the need to address a rapidly aging population and decreasing productivity that threaten competitiveness, fiscal sustainability, and economic growth (1). Of the two official languages of Finland, Finnish is the first language spoken by 93% of the country's 5 million inhabitants (2). The other official language, Swedish, is spoken by around 6% of the population, most of whom live in the south west and are also speakers of Finnish (2). Finland, as well as Iceland, is Nordic not Scandinavian. This reflects their language origin; witch does not have a Germanic background. Children in Finland begin learning English in school at a young age. Every boy in Finland is required to spend 6months to twelve months in the Military training after High School, around age 18. After your year is over you are allowed to stay or return home and get a job. This sets these boys up for a draft, if there were to be a war in Finland they were use the draft system if needed. The mandatory retirement age for in Finish Military is 60 years old. In Finland school and health care are free. This creates high tax, but allows everyone equal opportunity to schooling. All schooling is free, even college. One of the biggest celebrated holidays in Finland is the Midsummer celebration; this is the longest day of the year. The families stay up late to celebrate enjoying each other’s company with food, and family fun. The most practiced religion in Finland is Christianity, the next most common is Russian Orthodox, and this is not very common.
I made a phone call to Susan, the head of foreign exchange students for the metro area. She gave me the number to a 17 year old boy named Niklas from Finland. Niklas has spent a few months in America already, so I thought he would be perfect. When I called Niklas, I explained to him and his host family what my project was and why I wanted to conduct an interview with him. He was very happy to meet with me, and set up an interview. He and I met the next day at a coffee shop near his host family’s home. I gave him the option to choose where we would meet, so he would feel comfortable when talking to me. Niklas was very open and we had a great time learning about each other, and each other’s countries.
On October 30th, 2009 Niklas and I met at Starbucks Coffee to have an interview and talk about Finland. Through the whole interview he was very open with me and I was happy that I could make him feel this way. I let him run the interview in a way. After asking questions I would give him a chance to go down another pathway or keep talking about this topic. I found that many of his answers were “it’s just like her (as in America)”. This made it hard for me to learn a lot about his country. He was very open about it, but it made it hard to find the differences between America and Finland.
I conducted my interview with a 17 year old boy named Niklas from Finland. Niklas has spend three months in Minnesota so far, and is not sure when he will be returning. He is enjoying his time here, learning new experiences, and meeting new people. Niklas enjoys spending time with his family, friends and playing hockey. He has been able to play hockey as a goalie at his new school in Minnesota, West Tonka High School. Niklas plans on becoming a doctor in his future.
The interview went very well in my opinion. I felt it was very laid back and he was very open. During the whole interview I found that Niklas was answering questions saying that “it’s just like here”. For example, I asked him what the biggest holidays are in Finland. Niklas answered: “It is just like here Christmas is very big”. I had to ask him to specifically tell me a holiday that is big in Finland to learn about his culture. Another thing I was trying to learn about what his family life was like. All he told me was that it’s about the same as here, with a few differences, but nothing really big. I found that my two other interviews gave me more information about the culture and country. One thing I found interesting about the interview was when we talked about sports in Finland. Niklas told me that most hockey players in Finland play at the highest professional level then they come to America to play. Something very interesting to me was that Niklas was fine with coming to America and being behind in school when he gets back to Finland. This is very interesting to me, because I feel like most students in America would not travel abroad if they knew they were not getting credit for their schooling abroad.
Finland is very special in many ways; one big thing is Finland is the first European country to have a female prime minister and first female president. Like Minnesota, Finland has many lakes and rivers. Finland is three times the size of Ohio, and is heavily forested. In 1971 Finland had complete freedom after World War II, when they were able to stop the invasion of the Soviet Union. In the subsequent half century, the Finns made a remarkable transformation from a farm/forest economy to a diversified modern industrial economy; per capita income is now among the highest in Western Europe (1). The Fins have a well structured and well rounded economy like, the UK, Germany, and Italy. Its key economic sector is manufacturing - principally the wood, metals, engineering, telecommunications, and electronics industries (1). Even though Finland has one of the best markets in the EU, in 2008 alone the unemployment rate has gone up eight percent. Long-term challenges include the need to address a rapidly aging population and decreasing productivity that threaten competitiveness, fiscal sustainability, and economic growth (1). Of the two official languages of Finland, Finnish is the first language spoken by 93% of the country's 5 million inhabitants (2). The other official language, Swedish, is spoken by around 6% of the population, most of whom live in the south west and are also speakers of Finnish (2). Finland, as well as Iceland, is Nordic not Scandinavian. This reflects their language origin; witch does not have a Germanic background. Children in Finland begin learning English in school at a young age. Every boy in Finland is required to spend 6months to twelve months in the Military training after High School, around age 18. After your year is over you are allowed to stay or return home and get a job. This sets these boys up for a draft, if there were to be a war in Finland they were use the draft system if needed. The mandatory retirement age for in Finish Military is 60 years old. In Finland school and health care are free. This creates high tax, but allows everyone equal opportunity to schooling. All schooling is free, even college. One of the biggest celebrated holidays in Finland is the Midsummer celebration; this is the longest day of the year. The families stay up late to celebrate enjoying each other’s company with food, and family fun. The most practiced religion in Finland is Christianity, the next most common is Russian Orthodox, and this is not very common.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Interview 3- Germany
When preparing for my interview I did a few things. First, I learned about Laura’s country, Germany. I thought this would help me to understand some of things she was telling me a little better and give me some questions. Second, I wrote down questions I had for her. Having questions will help me in case she does not have much to say or our conversation has stopped. After writing my questions I wrote objectives for my interview. I knew having objectives would help me focus on my goals of the interview. Next, I picked out a few locations for the interview. I thought by giving her a few options this would make her the most comfortable. Lastly, I went back and reviewed my first two interviews. Doing this helped me to see things I need to change things I need to work on and questions I do want to ask again.
I got my interview set up the same way as I did my first two. I contacted my neighbor who is in charge or high school foreign exchange students of the metro area. I was lucky enough that when I called she had a student at her house named Laura, form Germany. Laura was very excited to meet with me to talk. She said she has not met a college student in America yet, and was excited to hear about. This was very fun for me, because we both got a chance to learn about each other’s culture, schooling, and lifestyles. She asked me If I would come to her house to conduct the interview. I really liked doing this because I knew she would feel comfortable and would be more open about her thoughts. Being at her host families house was very nice because I got a chance to see pictures she brought with her from Germany, this have me a new look on what she was saying.
On October 30th, 2009, I met Laura to conduct my interview. I went to her host family’s home and we have a great time getting to know each other. She said she had met a lot of people in America, but I could tell she liked being able to talk to someone. I never taught her some English she was confused about. This setting and her personality made the interview very easy and interesting for the both of us. It was great getting to learn so much about her and her culture.
Laura is a 17 year old foreign exchange student from Germany. She is currently a senior attending West Tonka High school, in Minnesota. Laura has been in Minnesota for two months, and will be here for another ten months. At home Laura lives with her mom, dad, and two sisters, Ten miles from Germanys capital. Laura was in her second year or high school when she left Germany. She is very active in Handball, a sport she has been playing for ten years. She loves spending time with her family and friends.
During the interview I almost felt as if she was interviewing me. She would answer my questions I had for her, but based off of the question I ask her she would ask me a question. During our interview she had trouble understanding some of the things I was asking or saying, so this made things a little difficult, but we figured each other out. She and I spend quite some time together, almost three hours. It was nice to talk to her person to person and also ask interview questions. Even though I was not asking her questions a lot of the time, when we were just talking about life I learned a lot about her and her culture. For example: She could not believe her and her host mom do not eat dinner together every night. This showed me that people from Germany spend most of their meals together, and that they culture is much closer when it comes to the people. I was very impressed with her outlook on her time in America. I know if I were to travel to another country at her age, or even now, I could not be as open as she is and ready to “explore”. I loved that she was taking her time here and living it up to the fullest. One part of our interview that I found the most interesting was the part about college. Most people do not attend college because you do not need a college degree to get a job. It was also interesting to see that she still wanted to come to America even though she knew she would not get credit for her time spent in school. This shows that schooling in Europe is not as big of a part as it is in America, in my eyes. I feel as though in America life revolves slightly around school and work. Where I felt she was expressing they live and enjoy their lives a little more.
Europe's strongest economic and industrial power, Germany is also the most populous European country outside Russia (1). Germany is very urbanized, over 90 percent of the population lives in the cities. Depending on the region food varies in Germany. The main meal is traditionally served at noon and a lighter meal eaten in the evening, usually open faced sandwiches (2). Meals are usually eaten at home as a family. German is the spoken language of Germany. English is widely understood by Germans. Like America Germans have freedom to religion. Protestant and Catholic are the post common religions in Germany. German schooling is based on nine years or schooling for all children. This helps socially disadvantaged students get a better chance. Once children are aged six, they as a rule attend primary school for four years, before going on to a variety of secondary schools: Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium (3). Germany is very different from America when it comes to drinking age. In Germany legally you can start drinking at the age of 16. Even though they do have a drinking age, I have found through interviews that the German government does not abide by this law; they look the other way to underage drinking.
1. "Germany facts, Germany travel videos, flags, photos - National Geographic." Travel & Cultures - Facts, Travel Videos, Flags, Photos - National Geographic. Web. 08 Nov. 2009..
3. "German Missions in the United States - Schooling in Germany." German Missions in the United States - Home. Web. 08 Nov. 2009..
I got my interview set up the same way as I did my first two. I contacted my neighbor who is in charge or high school foreign exchange students of the metro area. I was lucky enough that when I called she had a student at her house named Laura, form Germany. Laura was very excited to meet with me to talk. She said she has not met a college student in America yet, and was excited to hear about. This was very fun for me, because we both got a chance to learn about each other’s culture, schooling, and lifestyles. She asked me If I would come to her house to conduct the interview. I really liked doing this because I knew she would feel comfortable and would be more open about her thoughts. Being at her host families house was very nice because I got a chance to see pictures she brought with her from Germany, this have me a new look on what she was saying.
On October 30th, 2009, I met Laura to conduct my interview. I went to her host family’s home and we have a great time getting to know each other. She said she had met a lot of people in America, but I could tell she liked being able to talk to someone. I never taught her some English she was confused about. This setting and her personality made the interview very easy and interesting for the both of us. It was great getting to learn so much about her and her culture.
Laura is a 17 year old foreign exchange student from Germany. She is currently a senior attending West Tonka High school, in Minnesota. Laura has been in Minnesota for two months, and will be here for another ten months. At home Laura lives with her mom, dad, and two sisters, Ten miles from Germanys capital. Laura was in her second year or high school when she left Germany. She is very active in Handball, a sport she has been playing for ten years. She loves spending time with her family and friends.
During the interview I almost felt as if she was interviewing me. She would answer my questions I had for her, but based off of the question I ask her she would ask me a question. During our interview she had trouble understanding some of the things I was asking or saying, so this made things a little difficult, but we figured each other out. She and I spend quite some time together, almost three hours. It was nice to talk to her person to person and also ask interview questions. Even though I was not asking her questions a lot of the time, when we were just talking about life I learned a lot about her and her culture. For example: She could not believe her and her host mom do not eat dinner together every night. This showed me that people from Germany spend most of their meals together, and that they culture is much closer when it comes to the people. I was very impressed with her outlook on her time in America. I know if I were to travel to another country at her age, or even now, I could not be as open as she is and ready to “explore”. I loved that she was taking her time here and living it up to the fullest. One part of our interview that I found the most interesting was the part about college. Most people do not attend college because you do not need a college degree to get a job. It was also interesting to see that she still wanted to come to America even though she knew she would not get credit for her time spent in school. This shows that schooling in Europe is not as big of a part as it is in America, in my eyes. I feel as though in America life revolves slightly around school and work. Where I felt she was expressing they live and enjoy their lives a little more.
Europe's strongest economic and industrial power, Germany is also the most populous European country outside Russia (1). Germany is very urbanized, over 90 percent of the population lives in the cities. Depending on the region food varies in Germany. The main meal is traditionally served at noon and a lighter meal eaten in the evening, usually open faced sandwiches (2). Meals are usually eaten at home as a family. German is the spoken language of Germany. English is widely understood by Germans. Like America Germans have freedom to religion. Protestant and Catholic are the post common religions in Germany. German schooling is based on nine years or schooling for all children. This helps socially disadvantaged students get a better chance. Once children are aged six, they as a rule attend primary school for four years, before going on to a variety of secondary schools: Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium (3). Germany is very different from America when it comes to drinking age. In Germany legally you can start drinking at the age of 16. Even though they do have a drinking age, I have found through interviews that the German government does not abide by this law; they look the other way to underage drinking.
1. "Germany facts, Germany travel videos, flags, photos - National Geographic." Travel & Cultures - Facts, Travel Videos, Flags, Photos - National Geographic. Web. 08 Nov. 2009.
3. "German Missions in the United States - Schooling in Germany." German Missions in the United States - Home. Web. 08 Nov. 2009.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Interview 3- Germany
Maddy Thoele
Eng 191 f09 s21
Laura
Germany
Interview date: October 30, 2009
What made you come to America to study?
Because I wanted to learn about the language and about the culture. It is not for school, I will not get credit for school that I take here when I go home this summer.
Do most people study aboard?
Yes, a lot of my friends go, my cousin says I had to come after she did.
What is the biggest difference in school?
We do not have A,B,C grades like here, we have 1,2,3. The school days are much longer, and there is a lot more homework. At home we do not spend all day at school, we spend more time doing other things.
Do a lot of people go to college?
It is not like here, in Germany you can have a job without going to college, my sister is a nurse and did not go to college, and she goes not because she wants to be a doctor. Older people go to college. You have to take three exams to get into college.
What is the biggest change?
I am always alone, my host family is just a mom, it is weird being a lone so much, and not eating as a family. Here people are much more scared, the girls are not open at all, in Germany everyone gets along and is very open. I also like how here people do not care what you wear. In Germany people judge a lot about a person based off of what they are wearing. We use Euros in Germany, it is a lot more expensive.
What is the drinking age?
It is 16 for Wine, but 18 for all other, but no one cares in Germany, the police walk by and just don’t care.
When did you first start to learn English?
For me it was 4th grade, I did a project, but everyone starts learning in fifth grade. In our school, we stay with the same kids and classroom. It is the teachers who move from class to class.
What is the biggest sport?
Soccer and handball, that is what I play, it’s like soccer but is more aggressive. We only have club sports not school sports. They go year around, people pick one sport and do not switch very often because it is a year around sport.
What is the hardest thing for you being in America?
Math, I am getting an F I do not understand the world problems my teacher gives me, my host mom yells at me and says I am not trying but, I really don’t get it.
Do you talk to your family a lot?
Yes, I call them once a week. I do not get home sick very often, I just wish my host mom would hug me sometimes.
Eng 191 f09 s21
Laura
Germany
Interview date: October 30, 2009
What made you come to America to study?
Because I wanted to learn about the language and about the culture. It is not for school, I will not get credit for school that I take here when I go home this summer.
Do most people study aboard?
Yes, a lot of my friends go, my cousin says I had to come after she did.
What is the biggest difference in school?
We do not have A,B,C grades like here, we have 1,2,3. The school days are much longer, and there is a lot more homework. At home we do not spend all day at school, we spend more time doing other things.
Do a lot of people go to college?
It is not like here, in Germany you can have a job without going to college, my sister is a nurse and did not go to college, and she goes not because she wants to be a doctor. Older people go to college. You have to take three exams to get into college.
What is the biggest change?
I am always alone, my host family is just a mom, it is weird being a lone so much, and not eating as a family. Here people are much more scared, the girls are not open at all, in Germany everyone gets along and is very open. I also like how here people do not care what you wear. In Germany people judge a lot about a person based off of what they are wearing. We use Euros in Germany, it is a lot more expensive.
What is the drinking age?
It is 16 for Wine, but 18 for all other, but no one cares in Germany, the police walk by and just don’t care.
When did you first start to learn English?
For me it was 4th grade, I did a project, but everyone starts learning in fifth grade. In our school, we stay with the same kids and classroom. It is the teachers who move from class to class.
What is the biggest sport?
Soccer and handball, that is what I play, it’s like soccer but is more aggressive. We only have club sports not school sports. They go year around, people pick one sport and do not switch very often because it is a year around sport.
What is the hardest thing for you being in America?
Math, I am getting an F I do not understand the world problems my teacher gives me, my host mom yells at me and says I am not trying but, I really don’t get it.
Do you talk to your family a lot?
Yes, I call them once a week. I do not get home sick very often, I just wish my host mom would hug me sometimes.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Interview 2- Finland
Maddy Thoele
Eng 191 f09 s21
Niklas
Finland
Interview date: October 30, 2009
Niklas is a Foreign exchange student from Finland who is a senior at West Tonka High School.
Age: 17
What made you want to come to America to study?
I knew the language, I wanted to meet new people, and it was not for school. When I go back home the schooling I am getting here will not count toward school at home.
Why won’t it count?
I will get a certificate saying I took American High School classes, but this will not help me graduate.
How is school different then school at home?
It is mostly the same, our tests are more of an essay where here its easy multiple choice. During our high school years students already need to know what they will study, because they start taking classes that will help them in college. Our colleges are made for each job.. Law colleges, Medical School… so students need to know what they will be doing. The classes they take in High School act as points to help them get into the college they want to study in. I am going to be a doctor.
Do most people go to college in Finland?
Yes, if they want a job. It is just like here for four years, sometimes more.
When did you start learning English?
In Finland we speak Finish and Swedish, but we start learning English in fourth grade.
How is the weather different here?
Finland look like Iowa, I have been there once.. My host sister goes to college there. We have four seasons. In the winters we get snow and it will be twenty below, summers it is not as hot. Because I am on the Baltic Sea we stay warmer.
What is one of the biggest changes for you?
Here I am alone until night time, I will come home from school and no one will be home until after work, just me and bailey, the dog. My mom will be home for many days then some not at all, because she works on an airplane. The money is different, things cost more here. I get 1.50 for my Euro.
What are the most common jobs in Finland?
Same as here, Doctor, Lawyer, pilot. We do not pay for schooling like you do, big tax based on how much you makes allows us to go to school for free, same with health care. I like this because even if you come from a poor family you can become a big time lawyer.
On average how much does a house cost in Finland?
Well, I would say 500,000- 400,000 Euros. A person makes around 3,000- 4,000 Euros a month. I think, but I don’t really know.
What are you most celebrated holidays?
Christmas, and Summer Festival- You do not have it here, the sun is up most of the night, we stay up all night drinking, eating food, and family.
What is your drinking age?
18, so a lot of people do to Denmark because it is only 16 there.
When can you drive?
18 as well.
What is the average family size?
Three children I would say.
Is divorce as common there as it is here?
Yes, I think statistically 50% of all marriages end in divorce.
Do families go to church?
Most people are Lutheran, but it is not as important there. Religion is not a big deal, we all do not go to church every week like you do here.
What are the biggest differences in clothing?
OH BOY! Jeans and jogging shoes, boys would never wear that back home.. no way, never. Boys wear tighter jeans I would say. It is about the same for girls.
What made you want to study abroad?
My mom came to Arizona one time, and after that I knew I wanted to come to America. Then I could play hockey.
Is that the biggest sport?
Yes, most players play in the highest league in Europe then they will come to America and play in the NHL. Soccer is a big sport as well. We do not really play football, like you do here.
Was it easy to make friends?
Yes, everyone was very nice. They all say hello to me right away. I was happy I could come to MN, so now I get to play hockey, I am a goalie, so I did not get to pack much with all my hockey stuff.
When do most people get their first job?
It’s the same as here, summer jobs around 14, but they cannot get a real job yet.
Will you get a job or go right into college, what do most people do?
No we go to high school, then we have to go to the military for a year, we train, and get ready for a war. You can stay after the year if you want. Only the boys have to go. My brother is there now. During our senior year of high school it’s only seven months; because we start taking tests for college and getting ready for the Army.
Is your government the same?
Yes, we have a president too, she is actually a girl. We vote when we are eighteen every four years.
Eng 191 f09 s21
Niklas
Finland
Interview date: October 30, 2009
Niklas is a Foreign exchange student from Finland who is a senior at West Tonka High School.
Age: 17
What made you want to come to America to study?
I knew the language, I wanted to meet new people, and it was not for school. When I go back home the schooling I am getting here will not count toward school at home.
Why won’t it count?
I will get a certificate saying I took American High School classes, but this will not help me graduate.
How is school different then school at home?
It is mostly the same, our tests are more of an essay where here its easy multiple choice. During our high school years students already need to know what they will study, because they start taking classes that will help them in college. Our colleges are made for each job.. Law colleges, Medical School… so students need to know what they will be doing. The classes they take in High School act as points to help them get into the college they want to study in. I am going to be a doctor.
Do most people go to college in Finland?
Yes, if they want a job. It is just like here for four years, sometimes more.
When did you start learning English?
In Finland we speak Finish and Swedish, but we start learning English in fourth grade.
How is the weather different here?
Finland look like Iowa, I have been there once.. My host sister goes to college there. We have four seasons. In the winters we get snow and it will be twenty below, summers it is not as hot. Because I am on the Baltic Sea we stay warmer.
What is one of the biggest changes for you?
Here I am alone until night time, I will come home from school and no one will be home until after work, just me and bailey, the dog. My mom will be home for many days then some not at all, because she works on an airplane. The money is different, things cost more here. I get 1.50 for my Euro.
What are the most common jobs in Finland?
Same as here, Doctor, Lawyer, pilot. We do not pay for schooling like you do, big tax based on how much you makes allows us to go to school for free, same with health care. I like this because even if you come from a poor family you can become a big time lawyer.
On average how much does a house cost in Finland?
Well, I would say 500,000- 400,000 Euros. A person makes around 3,000- 4,000 Euros a month. I think, but I don’t really know.
What are you most celebrated holidays?
Christmas, and Summer Festival- You do not have it here, the sun is up most of the night, we stay up all night drinking, eating food, and family.
What is your drinking age?
18, so a lot of people do to Denmark because it is only 16 there.
When can you drive?
18 as well.
What is the average family size?
Three children I would say.
Is divorce as common there as it is here?
Yes, I think statistically 50% of all marriages end in divorce.
Do families go to church?
Most people are Lutheran, but it is not as important there. Religion is not a big deal, we all do not go to church every week like you do here.
What are the biggest differences in clothing?
OH BOY! Jeans and jogging shoes, boys would never wear that back home.. no way, never. Boys wear tighter jeans I would say. It is about the same for girls.
What made you want to study abroad?
My mom came to Arizona one time, and after that I knew I wanted to come to America. Then I could play hockey.
Is that the biggest sport?
Yes, most players play in the highest league in Europe then they will come to America and play in the NHL. Soccer is a big sport as well. We do not really play football, like you do here.
Was it easy to make friends?
Yes, everyone was very nice. They all say hello to me right away. I was happy I could come to MN, so now I get to play hockey, I am a goalie, so I did not get to pack much with all my hockey stuff.
When do most people get their first job?
It’s the same as here, summer jobs around 14, but they cannot get a real job yet.
Will you get a job or go right into college, what do most people do?
No we go to high school, then we have to go to the military for a year, we train, and get ready for a war. You can stay after the year if you want. Only the boys have to go. My brother is there now. During our senior year of high school it’s only seven months; because we start taking tests for college and getting ready for the Army.
Is your government the same?
Yes, we have a president too, she is actually a girl. We vote when we are eighteen every four years.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Interview 1-Denmark
When I began writing my questions, my main focus was to write questions that were open ended; I knew this would help me get the most information possible from the student. After writing my questions I sent the student the questions, so he would feel ready for the interview as well. I wrote goals and objectives for my interview, I knew this would help me reach my ultimate goal: learning as much as possible about this person and their culture, in a setting that was comfortable to them. I found that my camera allowed me to take videos, so I brought this along to my interview. I thought this would be the best way to get all the information the student was telling me, if they did not mind. When I was thinking of locations, I thought it would be best to meet in a common area, such as, Atwood, the library, or a classroom. I planned on giving the student options and letting them decide. My goal was to make them feel as comfortable as possible.
When I was thinking about how to ask a student if I could interview them I thought of many options. Asking student in my Race and Ethnicity class, walking up to a student I see on campus, or visiting Lawrence Hall. I asked a girl by the name of Jowiin, if I could conduct and interview with her and she was very open to the idea. Unfortunately, we could not connect soon enough and I could not use her. I contacted a family friend who I knew often had a foreign exchange student staying with them, after calling them I found that they had a student named Emilio, form Denmark staying with them. I asked when a good time would be to contact him and he was home and open to talking. He said he was free to talk any time and would love to come over to talk about his time in America.
On Wednesday October 21, 2009 Emilio came to my house for an interview. On the phone I asked him where he would like to meet and he said he would be happy to get out for a while and come over. I enjoyed the setting because him and I could be relaxed, this made it very comfortable for the both of us. He said he enjoyed coming over and being able to talk. When he got there I explained to him what the assignment was and asked if I could record our conversation. He asked if it would be okay if I did not. After asking my first question “why did you come to America to study?” all of our questions flowed. It was nice that I never needed to ask him a question. He kept giving me information playing off other information he had already given me. This was very helpful, and allowed him to talk about what he wanted talk about. During the interview he would tell me how things are back home and we would talk about what it’s like here. He even would ask me some questions, about why things are like they are here, or how things are here. It was very fun for both of us to see each other’s sides/ ways of life.
I interviewed a boy named Emilio, from Denmark. He is a 16 year old boy who is spending his senior year at Orono High school. Emilio lived in El Salvador for the first five years of his life. Since then, his family Mom, Dad, and two brothers have lived in Denmark. Emilio decided to come to America for schooling because he did not know what to do next in life. In Denmark they go to school for less time than in America.
Interview Emilio was very interesting for me. I loved hearing about his lifestyle and how things work back in Denmark. It was interesting to see how he viewed our educational system, and how things are different in America. In Denmark students are placed in a classroom for ten years of schooling with about 23 students for all ten years. He mentioned how school was much easier in America versus Denmark. Emilio also said that most people do go to college, but for two to three years. He said a big change for him was the drinking age, in Denmark it is 16. This was very interesting to me because I can see how this would be a big change to someone. Emilio mentioned that beer is an everyday drink at his house and it is very odd to him that kids are not allowed to drink it here. I was very happy when I asked him if he was meeting a lot of new people he said yes. Emilio said the people here are very nice, and he has met a lot of new friends. It is nice to her that he feels welcome in his new school and does not feel left out. One thing that really surprised me was how comfortable he was with me. First, he asked if he could come to my house. Second, During the whole interview he was not scared to say anything and had a lot to say. I loved seeing how comfortable he was and was happy I could create this setting for him. Once the interview was done, and I had all the information I needed he did not want to leave. He stayed and chatted more and seemed to be having fun. Overall, the interview went as well as I think it could have. I enjoyed learning about him and his country. This gave me a good look into another person’s lifestyle.
Denmark is located in Northern Europe, bordering Germany. Its size is about twice the size of Massachusetts. Denmark is a small nation whose cultural unity is mitigated by regional traditions of rural, urban, and island communities with distinctions based on local language, food, and history (1). They have windy winders with occasional snow and humid summers. There are currently about 5,500,510 people living in Denmark. The most common ethnic groups are: Scandinavian, Inuit, Faroese, German, Turkish, Iranian, Somali. Denmark is run by a constitutional monarchy. Danish is recognized as the official language; over 98% of people speak Danish. There is no secondary language, but several languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, and Russian, are taught in schools. Most Danes can speak some English and Germen (1). Emilio mentioned in his home the fathers takes more part in raising the children, and more mothers work. In Denmark they believe strongly in common respect for all, if there is someone who is not acting proper most likely someone will speak up, and call them out in their actions. One big difference form America is in Denmark marriage is not as big of a deal as it is in America. Many men and women are not worried about the legalization of their marriage. People are free to chose who they marry, and many chose to marry at a young age. According to Emilio it is very odd how American eat out so often and how we do not eat as a family for most meals. Danes eat most of their meals at home and in private settings, although public dining places ranging from small hot dog stands to fancy restaurants are available and are used (1). Meals in Denmark seem to have a lot of the same foods Americans would eat. Holidays with special meals include New Year's Eve, Easter, Martin Mass, and Christmas (1). New year’s is spend eating boiled cod, Easter is spent eating all day with lamb for dinner, and Martin Mass with roast goose. The traditional Christmas Eve dinner includes roast pork, roast duck, or goose stuffed with prunes, served with pickled red cabbage, white boiled potatoes, fried brown sugared potatoes, and thick brown gravy. Desserts include rice porridge and ris a la mande (1). The Danish love their holidays, spending time with their family eating and drinking is a big party of their culture. A lot of the same holidays are celebrated in Denmark as Americans celebrate, other than Thanksgiving, but they have a few of their own. Framing consumed two thirds of the land area in Denmark. Natural resources are limited to agricultural land, clay, stone, chalk, lime, peat, and lignite (1). Due to this International trade is very important to Denmark.
Bibliography
1. "Culture of Denmark - History and ethnic relations, Urbanism, architecture, and the use of space." Countries and Their Cultures. Web. 26 Oct. 2009..
When I was thinking about how to ask a student if I could interview them I thought of many options. Asking student in my Race and Ethnicity class, walking up to a student I see on campus, or visiting Lawrence Hall. I asked a girl by the name of Jowiin, if I could conduct and interview with her and she was very open to the idea. Unfortunately, we could not connect soon enough and I could not use her. I contacted a family friend who I knew often had a foreign exchange student staying with them, after calling them I found that they had a student named Emilio, form Denmark staying with them. I asked when a good time would be to contact him and he was home and open to talking. He said he was free to talk any time and would love to come over to talk about his time in America.
On Wednesday October 21, 2009 Emilio came to my house for an interview. On the phone I asked him where he would like to meet and he said he would be happy to get out for a while and come over. I enjoyed the setting because him and I could be relaxed, this made it very comfortable for the both of us. He said he enjoyed coming over and being able to talk. When he got there I explained to him what the assignment was and asked if I could record our conversation. He asked if it would be okay if I did not. After asking my first question “why did you come to America to study?” all of our questions flowed. It was nice that I never needed to ask him a question. He kept giving me information playing off other information he had already given me. This was very helpful, and allowed him to talk about what he wanted talk about. During the interview he would tell me how things are back home and we would talk about what it’s like here. He even would ask me some questions, about why things are like they are here, or how things are here. It was very fun for both of us to see each other’s sides/ ways of life.
I interviewed a boy named Emilio, from Denmark. He is a 16 year old boy who is spending his senior year at Orono High school. Emilio lived in El Salvador for the first five years of his life. Since then, his family Mom, Dad, and two brothers have lived in Denmark. Emilio decided to come to America for schooling because he did not know what to do next in life. In Denmark they go to school for less time than in America.
Interview Emilio was very interesting for me. I loved hearing about his lifestyle and how things work back in Denmark. It was interesting to see how he viewed our educational system, and how things are different in America. In Denmark students are placed in a classroom for ten years of schooling with about 23 students for all ten years. He mentioned how school was much easier in America versus Denmark. Emilio also said that most people do go to college, but for two to three years. He said a big change for him was the drinking age, in Denmark it is 16. This was very interesting to me because I can see how this would be a big change to someone. Emilio mentioned that beer is an everyday drink at his house and it is very odd to him that kids are not allowed to drink it here. I was very happy when I asked him if he was meeting a lot of new people he said yes. Emilio said the people here are very nice, and he has met a lot of new friends. It is nice to her that he feels welcome in his new school and does not feel left out. One thing that really surprised me was how comfortable he was with me. First, he asked if he could come to my house. Second, During the whole interview he was not scared to say anything and had a lot to say. I loved seeing how comfortable he was and was happy I could create this setting for him. Once the interview was done, and I had all the information I needed he did not want to leave. He stayed and chatted more and seemed to be having fun. Overall, the interview went as well as I think it could have. I enjoyed learning about him and his country. This gave me a good look into another person’s lifestyle.
Denmark is located in Northern Europe, bordering Germany. Its size is about twice the size of Massachusetts. Denmark is a small nation whose cultural unity is mitigated by regional traditions of rural, urban, and island communities with distinctions based on local language, food, and history (1). They have windy winders with occasional snow and humid summers. There are currently about 5,500,510 people living in Denmark. The most common ethnic groups are: Scandinavian, Inuit, Faroese, German, Turkish, Iranian, Somali. Denmark is run by a constitutional monarchy. Danish is recognized as the official language; over 98% of people speak Danish. There is no secondary language, but several languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, and Russian, are taught in schools. Most Danes can speak some English and Germen (1). Emilio mentioned in his home the fathers takes more part in raising the children, and more mothers work. In Denmark they believe strongly in common respect for all, if there is someone who is not acting proper most likely someone will speak up, and call them out in their actions. One big difference form America is in Denmark marriage is not as big of a deal as it is in America. Many men and women are not worried about the legalization of their marriage. People are free to chose who they marry, and many chose to marry at a young age. According to Emilio it is very odd how American eat out so often and how we do not eat as a family for most meals. Danes eat most of their meals at home and in private settings, although public dining places ranging from small hot dog stands to fancy restaurants are available and are used (1). Meals in Denmark seem to have a lot of the same foods Americans would eat. Holidays with special meals include New Year's Eve, Easter, Martin Mass, and Christmas (1). New year’s is spend eating boiled cod, Easter is spent eating all day with lamb for dinner, and Martin Mass with roast goose. The traditional Christmas Eve dinner includes roast pork, roast duck, or goose stuffed with prunes, served with pickled red cabbage, white boiled potatoes, fried brown sugared potatoes, and thick brown gravy. Desserts include rice porridge and ris a la mande (1). The Danish love their holidays, spending time with their family eating and drinking is a big party of their culture. A lot of the same holidays are celebrated in Denmark as Americans celebrate, other than Thanksgiving, but they have a few of their own. Framing consumed two thirds of the land area in Denmark. Natural resources are limited to agricultural land, clay, stone, chalk, lime, peat, and lignite (1). Due to this International trade is very important to Denmark.
Bibliography
1. "Culture of Denmark - History and ethnic relations, Urbanism, architecture, and the use of space." Countries and Their Cultures. Web. 26 Oct. 2009.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Interview 1-Denmark
Maddy Thoele
Eng 191 f09 s21
Emilio
Denmark
Interview date: October 21, 2009
· At the start of my interview I asked him If I could record our conversation and he did not want me to, he said it made him “nervous and not sure what to say”.
Age: 16
Time spent in America: 2 ½ months.
Why did you come to America?
Because when I graduated High School in Denmark I didn’t know what I wanted to do.
How many years do you spend in school in Denmark?
Ten years of schooling, and two to three years of college, most people attend college. It is very different here in class rooms. In Denmark we are put into a class with 23 other student and we stay with them for all ten years of schooling. We do not change rooms, the teacher comes to us. So, for all ten years I am in the same room with the same people, they become your family in a way.
When you came to America what grade level did they place you in?
A senior in High school, schooling in America is much easier then school at home. We do not have sports in our school like you do, we have club sports and most people play soccer, not football, but I like to watch it.
Do many students come to America to study?
No, most go onto college. I did this because my mom did when she was my age. There is a program called YFU that helped me come to America to study. There was another student from Denmark here last year that I know.
Were you nervous to come here?
I was very nervous at first, but Sue (the host family) and I emailed back and forth for a long time before I came, she made me feel comfortable and not as worried. We talked about the changes I would see and what it would be like when I got here.
What was it like at first?
I was very nervous to get here, but I enjoy it now. The first morning I woke up and it took me five minutes to remember where I was. It was very weird, but now I am used to living here and I am starting to feel at home.
What are some of the biggest changes for you?
People here eat fast food much more then I do back home. We eat together most commonly meatballs- I guess that is what you would call them here, it reminds me of meatballs anyway, and we eat pizza a lot. Your houses are a lot smaller than ours. We have a cold season in Denmark, but it is very cold here. We get snow sometimes, it is very beautiful, but it is not as cold as here.
Was the language hard for you to speak?
In Denmark we start learning English in fifth grade. It was hard to learn at first, but I get it now. At first your funny sayings were hard to understand, but I think I know them now. We have a lot of people from the Middle East in Denmark. They have clusters that they live in, it makes communication very hard sometimes. There are gang wars between town’s people and people from the Middle East, they are called “Hells Angels” gang.
Was it easy or hard to make friends?
People are very nice here, I made friends very fast. I cannot drive here, so it makes it hard to get places. In Denmark we can drink at 16, and we go to “clubs” at 16, that is a big change. We also do not have liquor stores, you but expensive liquor, such as wine in them, you but all other liquor in stores. We do not have a target in Denmark, but this would be a place where you would buy liquor. Liquor in America is much cheaper. It is ten dollars for a six pack at home.
When can you drive in Denmark?
At 18 is when we get our permit and license, same year. It costs 2,000 American dollars. Most people will ride their bikes. We use crowns in Denmark. It is five Danish crowns for every American dollar. American money is very hard to figure out.
How many coins and bills do you have?
Six coins and five bills, we do not pay for our college in Denmark like you do here, that is why I will go home in June for college
Do you pay for health Insurance or car Insurance?
We have free health insurance, but pay for car insurance. My mom makes a lot of money so we pay fifty percent income tax, which is the most people pay. You make a lot of money if you pay this much.
Are things expensive here?
We just bought a new house, which is big, for 1.3 Danish Crowns- 26,000 American dollars. Our homes are much bigger, but look the same.
What are the most common jobs in Denmark?
Same as here, Farming, Lawyers, and Doctors. We begin working much sooner than Americans I had two jobs when I was 15. I work at a pizza place now and make 15.00$ an hour.
Do both parents usually work?
Yes, both go to work.
When do most people get married and start dating?
It is about the same, people start dating at the same age. People do not get married until they are 30-35, older than here. Divorce is also common in Denmark, my parents are divorced.
Do you celebrate the same holidays as America?
Yes, Christmas and all the others, just no Thanksgiving.
What is the most common religion?
Christianity, Muslim is next, because we have people from the Middle East.
What are the biggest changed in clothing for both men and women?
A boy in Denmark would wear more colorful shoes and shirts, same with a girl, colorful shirts.
Do you speak to your family often?
Yes, I talk to them through email. Well, my mom and dad, I have two little brothers who do not use a computer yet.
Eng 191 f09 s21
Emilio
Denmark
Interview date: October 21, 2009
· At the start of my interview I asked him If I could record our conversation and he did not want me to, he said it made him “nervous and not sure what to say”.
Age: 16
Time spent in America: 2 ½ months.
Why did you come to America?
Because when I graduated High School in Denmark I didn’t know what I wanted to do.
How many years do you spend in school in Denmark?
Ten years of schooling, and two to three years of college, most people attend college. It is very different here in class rooms. In Denmark we are put into a class with 23 other student and we stay with them for all ten years of schooling. We do not change rooms, the teacher comes to us. So, for all ten years I am in the same room with the same people, they become your family in a way.
When you came to America what grade level did they place you in?
A senior in High school, schooling in America is much easier then school at home. We do not have sports in our school like you do, we have club sports and most people play soccer, not football, but I like to watch it.
Do many students come to America to study?
No, most go onto college. I did this because my mom did when she was my age. There is a program called YFU that helped me come to America to study. There was another student from Denmark here last year that I know.
Were you nervous to come here?
I was very nervous at first, but Sue (the host family) and I emailed back and forth for a long time before I came, she made me feel comfortable and not as worried. We talked about the changes I would see and what it would be like when I got here.
What was it like at first?
I was very nervous to get here, but I enjoy it now. The first morning I woke up and it took me five minutes to remember where I was. It was very weird, but now I am used to living here and I am starting to feel at home.
What are some of the biggest changes for you?
People here eat fast food much more then I do back home. We eat together most commonly meatballs- I guess that is what you would call them here, it reminds me of meatballs anyway, and we eat pizza a lot. Your houses are a lot smaller than ours. We have a cold season in Denmark, but it is very cold here. We get snow sometimes, it is very beautiful, but it is not as cold as here.
Was the language hard for you to speak?
In Denmark we start learning English in fifth grade. It was hard to learn at first, but I get it now. At first your funny sayings were hard to understand, but I think I know them now. We have a lot of people from the Middle East in Denmark. They have clusters that they live in, it makes communication very hard sometimes. There are gang wars between town’s people and people from the Middle East, they are called “Hells Angels” gang.
Was it easy or hard to make friends?
People are very nice here, I made friends very fast. I cannot drive here, so it makes it hard to get places. In Denmark we can drink at 16, and we go to “clubs” at 16, that is a big change. We also do not have liquor stores, you but expensive liquor, such as wine in them, you but all other liquor in stores. We do not have a target in Denmark, but this would be a place where you would buy liquor. Liquor in America is much cheaper. It is ten dollars for a six pack at home.
When can you drive in Denmark?
At 18 is when we get our permit and license, same year. It costs 2,000 American dollars. Most people will ride their bikes. We use crowns in Denmark. It is five Danish crowns for every American dollar. American money is very hard to figure out.
How many coins and bills do you have?
Six coins and five bills, we do not pay for our college in Denmark like you do here, that is why I will go home in June for college
Do you pay for health Insurance or car Insurance?
We have free health insurance, but pay for car insurance. My mom makes a lot of money so we pay fifty percent income tax, which is the most people pay. You make a lot of money if you pay this much.
Are things expensive here?
We just bought a new house, which is big, for 1.3 Danish Crowns- 26,000 American dollars. Our homes are much bigger, but look the same.
What are the most common jobs in Denmark?
Same as here, Farming, Lawyers, and Doctors. We begin working much sooner than Americans I had two jobs when I was 15. I work at a pizza place now and make 15.00$ an hour.
Do both parents usually work?
Yes, both go to work.
When do most people get married and start dating?
It is about the same, people start dating at the same age. People do not get married until they are 30-35, older than here. Divorce is also common in Denmark, my parents are divorced.
Do you celebrate the same holidays as America?
Yes, Christmas and all the others, just no Thanksgiving.
What is the most common religion?
Christianity, Muslim is next, because we have people from the Middle East.
What are the biggest changed in clothing for both men and women?
A boy in Denmark would wear more colorful shoes and shirts, same with a girl, colorful shirts.
Do you speak to your family often?
Yes, I talk to them through email. Well, my mom and dad, I have two little brothers who do not use a computer yet.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Japan
Geography: "Japan is separated from the east coast of Asia by the Sea of Japan. It is approximately the size of Montana. Japan's four main islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku." http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107666.html, October 20, 2009.
Government: 'Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary government." http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107666.html, October 20, 2009.
Cultural: "For many people, the mention of Japanese culture conjours up images of weird masks and extravagantly made-up actors twirling red umbrellas on a stage. The traditional arts of Japan offer an opportunity to experience something truly exotic or find inner calm." http://www.japan-zone.com/culture/, October 20, 2009. Many people do not view the people of Japan as they are. They need to put a new and "real" view on Japan. The Japanese culture enjoys festivals very much and have 3-5 a month. "Snow festivals, fire festivals, fertility festivals - you name it, they have it." http://www.japan-zone.com/culture/, October 20th, 2009. In Japan they have holidays welcoming all four seasons. Each season will change what they eat for the time being. "the changing seasons bring new delicacies and an excuse to travel the length of the country to sample local dishes." http://www.japan-zone.com/culture/, October 20, 2009.
Education: The Japanese educational system was changed after World War II, it is very similar to the American schooling years. "6 years of elementary school, 3 years of junior high school, 3 years of senior high school and 4 years of University". http://japanese.about.com/od/japaneselessons/a/061000.htm, October 20, 2009. Japan has one of the worlds best education populations. Their educational system is closely supervised. "The difference in the school-year system causes some inconvenience to students who wish to study abroad in the U.S. A half year is wasted waiting to get in and often another year is wasted when coming back to the Japanese university because of having to repeat a year." http://japanese.about.com/od/japaneselessons/a/061000.htm, October 20, 2009. In the schools English language education starts during Junior High School and will continue until their are in High School, Usually until they are graduated. Even with all of this schooling many students can not speak or write English properly.
Social Customs: Physical contact in public is impolite. It is very common to smoke in front of someone, but it is very rude to chew gum when people are around. Most often when entering a home or restaurant you will be given slippers to wear, and need to take your shoes off. When you are in homes your visiting it is very rude to look into their kitchen. This is something that foreigners find very strange.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
New Objectives
Pre-Interview:
- Write open ended questions to help the person give me as much information as possible.
- Have a practice interview, to allow me to get a feel of what it will be like.
- print out the questions twice (copy for me, and the person i interview). E-mail them a copy as well, so they can review them before the interview.
- have pen and paper ready.
- memorize my questions.
- memorize my objectives.
Interview:
- Meet this person in a place that will make them feel comfortable.
- Sit down with this person and give them the questions.
-first, begin just getting to know them, this will help them relax.
-start asking questions and hopefully it will turn into a conversation.
- if they are not giving me a lot of information i will start asking more questions.
- Show them I'm listening by engaging myself as they speak.
Post Interview:
- Reflect on the information i heard.
-write down things that were key points to me.
-take the information of off the recording and write it down.
- see what changes i want to make for my next interview.
- Write open ended questions to help the person give me as much information as possible.
- Have a practice interview, to allow me to get a feel of what it will be like.
- print out the questions twice (copy for me, and the person i interview). E-mail them a copy as well, so they can review them before the interview.
- have pen and paper ready.
- memorize my questions.
- memorize my objectives.
Interview:
- Meet this person in a place that will make them feel comfortable.
- Sit down with this person and give them the questions.
-first, begin just getting to know them, this will help them relax.
-start asking questions and hopefully it will turn into a conversation.
- if they are not giving me a lot of information i will start asking more questions.
- Show them I'm listening by engaging myself as they speak.
Post Interview:
- Reflect on the information i heard.
-write down things that were key points to me.
-take the information of off the recording and write it down.
- see what changes i want to make for my next interview.
Ideas
-Get to know this person before you get into questions, so they feel more open and relaxed.
- Practice your interview with a friend, this will help you know what it will feel like. Your friend can also give you tips on what to work on.
- Have back up questions read in case they are not really giving you long answers or details, to keep the interview going.
-Reflect on your first interview, so you can make changes that are needed for your next interview. This will allow it to flow better and help you get the most information possible.
-Ask questions that will help them branch out or tell you stories. This will allow you to learn as much as possible about them and their culture.
-Know your questions very well, this will help keep the conversation moving.
- Keep your objectives in mind the whole time so you are always working towards them.
- Practice your interview with a friend, this will help you know what it will feel like. Your friend can also give you tips on what to work on.
- Have back up questions read in case they are not really giving you long answers or details, to keep the interview going.
-Reflect on your first interview, so you can make changes that are needed for your next interview. This will allow it to flow better and help you get the most information possible.
-Ask questions that will help them branch out or tell you stories. This will allow you to learn as much as possible about them and their culture.
-Know your questions very well, this will help keep the conversation moving.
- Keep your objectives in mind the whole time so you are always working towards them.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Group Work 8- Maddy, Kevin, Sarah
MLA PAPERS- p. 592
Modern Language Association
Sources are cite for two reasons:
1. To tell readers where you information comes from- so that they can assess its reliability and, if interested, find and read the original source.
2. To give credit to the writes form whom you have borrowed words and ideas.
MLA is the most used format for writing in School systems.
This is how MLS citation usually works:
1. The source is introduced by a single phrase that names its author.
2. The material being cited is followed by a page number in parentheses.
3. At the end of the paper, a list of works cited gives complete publication information about the source.
Plagiarism:
Three different acts are considered plagiarism:
1. Failing to cite quotations and borrowed ideas.
2. Failing to enclose borrowed language in quotation marks.
3. Failing to put summaries and paraphrases in your own words.
You must also cite any ideas you borrowed from a source: Summaries, Statistics and other specific facts, and visuals such as cartoons, graphs, and diagrams. The only exception is common knowledge.
Summaries and paraphrases:
Write ALL information in your own words. If you do copy the authors or if you half-copy you commit plagiarism.
Maddy, Kevin, Sarah
Group 8
Objectives
1. My first goal is to have good and thought-out questions so the person gives me as much information as possoble.
2. Speak with someone willing to give good information, and is open about their thoughts.
3. Get good information by asking in depth questions about themselves and about the person and their country.
4. Take the information they gave me, and review their answers and see how their country, ways, and schools differ from America.
5. Better understand other countries. I will do this by looking at their view and comparing them to my views and way of life toward theirs.
6. Better understand what its like to study abroad and what its like for the student being in a new country, with a new language, and new culture. What its like for them to be away from their family. What its like for them being around all new people. what its like to be around not only new people but people who speak another language.
Maddy Thoele
Questions for International Students
1. Where are you from?
2. What languages do you speak?
3. Do most people from your country come to America to study?
4. What are you going to study while you are here at SCSU, and why did you choose SCSU?
5. What is the biggest difference between here and home?
6. How are colleges here different from colleges in your country?
7. Would you tell other student to study abroad? and why? where?
8. How long are you in America for? are you planning on staying in America to work?
9. Why did you choose to come to America versus another country?
10. What is the hardest thing about living in America? and what do you miss the most from your country?
Maddy Thoele
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