Salem, a graduating German foreign exchange student, has had the opportunity to learn about North American culture, gain new experiences, and make connections with people from different backgrounds. Laura Hirschberger’s journey in America will end this Sunday at 2 p.m. as she becomes an SCHS graduate.
Hirschberger has had a fun year and has enjoyed her time in Salem. She notes the differences in schooling here versus Germany.
“It’s hard at first because it’s so different, especially like the school climate. It mostly focuses on hobbies and being a community, where as my school in Germany, it mostly focuses on academics. You don’t stay after school, there’s no school colors, and no school spirit.”
Despite it being unhealthy, Hirschberger expressed how she loves the food in America. Her favorite fast food restaurant’s she tried was Raisin Canes and The Sauce, and she also really enjoyed the ice cream shops. However, with Germanys focus on bakeries and healthier food options, she is excited to go home and have German bread and healthier food.
Hirschberger points out key differences in our culture versus Germany’s.
“I’d say Americans are known to be very patriotic, we are not, us Germans are not at all. we don’t have our flags up, we don’t sing our anthem, or anything. So it is very interesting coming here and people say their anthem everyday or the pledge of allegiance. It’s a little strange at first, but I like it. Like people really loving their country and feeling a connection to it.”
Hirschberger says the people she has met here have all been incredibly friendly.
“They are really friendly, they want to get to know you, and they smile. Not to say Germans are mean, but we don’t talk to strangers like that and we don’t to smile like that. it was nice, especially as a new person. I never felt like people didn’t want to talk to me or get to know me.”
Hirschberger will be going back to Germany sometime after graduation on Sunday, May 17th at 2.
