Erik Senger is an exchange student. He’s been here for roughly three weeks. Often it is assumed that great differences exist between countries.

“I don’t really see that much differences. Actually, it’s quite similar. Of course there are a few differences but not that many,” Senger said.

There are a few things that are customary in America and, as expected, some of them are not as customary in other countries.

“The school is different. It’s a cool experience to explore another country. We are not really doing this thing that we stand up to the flag. I find that quite strange. The school system is different as well. We are not doing this thing where we are going to the same classes everyday. We have like 12 different subjects in one school day,” Senger said.

“I think band is really cool, like playing,  I don’t really know. I was at this, how do you say, astronomy show and I thought that was really cool. We don’t have that at my school,” Senger added.

Not many high schools feature a planetarium. No matter how many stars align in astronomy or how many symphonies the band plays, nothing can replace the family and friends back home. That goes for anyone.

“[I miss] my friends and family,” Senger said.