My final paper topic is going to look at people returning from war, and what they experienced.
Main points:
-Prewar
- war
- post War
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
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.
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