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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1991-06-19, Page 21SPFCJA L FFA TUR J Times -Advocate, June 19, 1991 Page 21 SHDHS students experience European culture By Rhonda Vandeworp EXETER - This NIV14111111inlie past spring five South Hu- ron District High School students ventured away from the comforta- ble surroundings of their home communities and flew to foreign European lands to experience the life of French and Spanish high school students. The cultural exchange program, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Education, is a one year pro- gram that offers students from Eu- rope the opportunity to live three months in the fall with the family of a selected student, and at the same time to experience high school in this country. In turn, the Canadian student travels to the home of his or her exchange part- ner the following spring to sample their culture and customs. This year South Huron students Michelle Moore, Jeremy Brock, Lisa Wareham, and Robin Poole studied in Spain, while Mau Miller spent his three months in France. All of these students were over- whelmed with the cultural experi- ence, and although occasional homesickness is inevitable, there were no regrets. "I really enjoyed every aspect of the exchange, even though at times the adjustments were difficult. I was quite homesick at times, but I took on the attitude that I was there for three months, so I had to make it a good three months. Fortunate- ly, the attitude worked," -explains Wareham. The students knew adapting to a foreign culture would be difficult. Different customs, strange foods, and new rules of behavior all de- mand a time of adjustment. Unfor- tunately, some of the students found this period of cultural adapta- tion sometimes hard to stomach and difficult "The food was very different," explains Poole. "In fact, I had a great deal of difficulty keeping it down for a week or so. We seemed to eat a lot of seafood. One day we had soup with little claws attached to the tails." Wareham, on the other hand, could not find any beauty in bull Matt Miller • Madrid, Spain Toledo, Spain fighting, a respected Spanish past - time. "The Spaniards think bull fight- ing is very beautiful, and when I saw it, I was truly appalled. We saw an unfortunate fight where a bull fighter was caught on a bull's horn and was badly injured. Of course it almost seems fair after watching six bulls die," says Ware- ham. Besides vivid memories of slimy food and blood curdling bull fights, the students will always remember the special times with their fami- lies, parties with high school friends, and train rides throughout the country. Brock clearly remembers his trips to the southern parts of the country where he experienced the festive holiday traditions of Spain. "The first time I was in the south of Spaiq was for the Holy Week (Semana Santa). Groups of men from large and small cities carry statues with biblical Easter scenes. The statues weigh about 900 pounds and are carried through the •streets for about nine hours. The processions are extremely beautiful to see because the statues are dec- • orated in real gold and silver and hundreds of flowers and candles," describes Brock. Overall, the students felt at ease with their Spanish host families and the other high schoolers who all welcomed them to their coun- try with open arms ... and kisses. "Spanish people are very warm and. friendly. Their affection: is Uncomfortable at first, but'onck I got used to it I appreciated it. They kiss people on both cheeks to greet them. I found it confusing to know when it was appropriate," says Poole. Although the SHDHS students found the Europeans to be general- ly amiable and open to foreigners, there were times when they felt al - f SHDHS's seniors and senioritas - Spanish exchange students, from left, are Lisa Wareham, Michrlle Moore, Robin Poole and Jeremy Brock. ienated because of physical ap- pearance, clothes, or language dif- ferences. "I felt like a real alien for my first few weeks in Spain. There are few foreigners there, and blond hair is quite rare. Consequently, strangers would stare or try to touch my hair as I walked by," says Poole. • After three months of speaking a fgqreign language, travelling, mak- friends, and gaining an appreci- ation of a new culture, it was some- what difficult for the exchange students to leave. Most of them also discovered their return to Can- ada was more of a culture shock than their initial voyage. "At the time I was away from SHDHS and my friends, I didn't feel like I was missing anything. But as soon as I got home 1 really didn't feel comfortable at my house or with my friends. I felt lilac I didn't belong. I think it will just take a long time to get used to the way things are now. I had an idea in my mind that I would come back and everything would be the same. But that's just not so," explains Moore. Culture shock is generally inevi- table for anyone who lives abroad for a long period of time. What these students might not have ex- pected was their new -felt apprecia- tion of their homeland after they re- turned For Wareham, the cleanliness of 'Canada is what struck her. Brock has a new appreciation of Canada's loose social structure where every- one is not separated into a rich so- cial class or a poor one. And Moore gained a new respect not only for Canada, but also for her family. "This exchange experience changed the way I look upon cer- tain things. 1 appreciate Canada a lot more now. I realize that we should be thankful for what we have," says Moore. "I also appre- ciate my parents a lot more. Being away taught me that they are not my enemies, but my friends." ' The exchange experience has been so positive for these five stu- dents, that they hope to return to Europe again some day. Miller hopes to return to France to visit with friends and to travel some more, while most of the Spanish students hope to return in 1992 for the summer Olympics. Barry Gordon BASF Sales Representative Mobile 0 (519) 861.9201 Agrichemicals for a growing world NEW Basagran Plus WIDER BROADLEAF control Includes REDROOT PIGWEED For more information about Basagran Plus, contact your local agrichemical supplier. aa.sp •n y • a.e«+,•.x B�s"A(I s =di n n+e .•gau.d �.w. Agricultural cnentiew BASF � � 1 Mixed alo-p tch tourney - The Exeter Mohawks held their fifth annual tournament on the weekend. Shown, left, Janet Gates and Bill Glover of the Squash Patch team show their offensive and defensive skills. The Sluggers team was the 'A' winner defeating Port Albert 10-3. 'B' winners were G -Farce team defeating 'Is and 'Ers 5-3 and the 'C' winner was the Rookies team defeating the Throw Togethers 9-6. A reliable source informed the TA that Don Keeping was offered a professional announcer's position If Donna Overholt doesn't catch him first. • • • • • • • ; • • • • • . . • • . • • • • • • • -.• • ••..• •-.-.-. • . .. ••••• •••-.-.•■•• ■• ••• ..-• • •- REACH THE WORLD BY The Times Advocate asked "Why Not?" and here it is - a Fax machine is in our office enabling you to contact any other Fax machine in the world... instantly. The Times -Advocate will offer the service of the Fax for a cost of $4.00 per printed sheet for the first one plus $1.00 per addi- tional sheet. (Overseas Rates are $7.50 for the 1st three minutes plus $1.50 per additional min- ute). In addition our number is yours so if you want to be reached instantly - we will receive your messages for $1.00 per sheet. 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