10 Things That Surprised Me Most As An Exchange Student In the USA
10 Things That Surprised Me Most As An Exchange Student In the USA
A few (lol) years ago, I was an exchange student in the USA. Actually, to be precise, I lived in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. If you’ve ever seen an exchange student in its natural habitat, you would know that we are usually in awe of at least one new thing every single day of our time as an exchange student.
Our excitement just comes with our status! And of course, there are many things in the USA that are completely different from our home country. So here are 10 things that left me speechless as an exchange student in the USA.
1. School Assemblies
You should have seen me in the school bathroom, reading the assembly day schedule and trying to understand why classes were okay to be shortened for it. The idea of cutting class short for something as fun as an assembly was a total shock to me. Back in France, fun during school hours is RARE, and the thought of a professor shortening their lecture time on purpose is unheard of.
2. Eating in Class
Being allowed to eat during class without anyone batting an eye was a novel concept to me. In France, the classroom is a strict, food-free zone, so this newfound freedom was both surprising and liberating. I loved my bagel and cream cheese during English class, what can I say!
3. Bathroom Breaks During Class
In France, asking to use the restroom during class could land you in hot water with the teacher. Actually, French teachers often went over break to finish class leaving us with no break at all. Discovering I could simply excuse myself to go to the bathroom without a lecture or shame was revolutionary to me. It felt like a basic respect for student needs that was refreshingly simple yet impactful.
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4. High School Sports Enthusiasm
The level of excitement and community involvement in high school sports was unlike anything I’d seen. Whether participating, watching, or just hanging out, sports events were a major social gathering that brought everyone together in a way I hadn’t experienced before.
5. Acknowledgement for Effort
Coming from a background where achievements are expected and rarely celebrated, the American way of acknowledging every effort and accomplishment, no matter how small, was heartwarming. Even when I didn’t excel in cross-country (I sucked lol), the encouragement and recognition I received at Senior Night, were incredibly uplifting.
6. Stigma Around Taking the Bus
In France, catching the bus to school is the norm. So, I was taken aback by the stigma attached to it in America, where taking the bus can pretty much make you a looser. I understood that driving or being driven to school was more of the norm but seeing others be shamed for taking the bus was surprising.
7. Short Lunch Breaks
Adjusting to the 30-minute lunch breaks was a challenge for me, coming from a place where we enjoy an hour to eat and unwind. The rush to eat quickly and get back to class was a stark contrast to the leisurely pace I was accustomed to.
Read More: 16 Surprising Differences Between French And American High Schools
8. Religion Groups in the Library
The presence of religion groups meeting in the library during lunch was something I found both amusing and surprising. The blend of religion and education in such an open manner was a concept that would be quite unusual back in France, especially in a public school setting.
9. Prom in the Gym
Having seen prom depicted on TV as a glamorous event, the reality of it being held in a gym, though fun, was a bit of a letdown. However, the excitement of getting ready and the pre-prom dinner made the experience memorable in its own right.
10. Seeing a Moose in Our Backyard
I feel like this should speak for itself! Spotting a moose casually strolling through our backyard one day was an encounter I could have never anticipated. Actually there were two moose and they were massive! That was in April and I did not expect that coming out the door!
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We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.