Noemi Kames Interview

1. What made you want to come to America?

My two older sisters also went for a year and said it was the best time of their lives and I wanted to have a similar experience to them.

2. What was the hardest part about leaving Germany?

Being apart from my friends and family for so long has been very tough.

3.Was it an easier transition because Kara had already lived with you in Germany?

It was nice to know the family before coming since Kara had stayed with us in Germany last year, and having known Kara for a year before coming here made it a lot less scary to go into a new country and school.

4. How was the transition going to an American school vs. German school?

Teachers want to help you more in America than Germany, and school starts and ends for everyone at same time here. There are also 15 classes in Germany, 7 here, and we eat lunch outside of school in Germany instead of all in a cafeteria here.

5. Biggest difference between our school and your old school.

More time after school for friends is fun and so are school sports.

6. Favorite part about living in America?

It’s possible to drive at 16 here.

7. Advice you would give to others who are interested in joining a foreign exchange program?

You should definitely bring a lot of personal stuff from your friends and family, don’t be afraid of the new people or school. Also don’t expect other people to come up to you, you have to make your own friends and be outgoing.

8. Any American slang you didn’t know?

I didn’t and still don’t really know what “spill the tea” means, and why people say “ish”, like the door is purplish.