GIP-GIA Event AGS Panel Discussion March 8th

 

This Sunday, the Jiang-Zhou Family graciously opened their home to Poly Global Scholars and our AFS students from Bulgaria, Germany, and Chile. In addition to enjoying international foods and socializing, Aaron Tyler and I co-moderated a panel discussion. Prior to the gathering, we collaborated on questions aimed at learning more about our AFS students’ home countries and impressions of American culture. While a wide range of topics were covered, a few of the more thought-provoking or surprising question/answers were related to sensitive issues such as stereotypes, gay marriage, and alcohol.
 When asked if they had experienced any stereotypical reactions while in the US, Alina from Germany responded that she occasionally felt that “some people can’t get past WWI and WWII which is unfortunate because there is much more to Germany than that.” Carlo noted that most Americans' immediate reaction was that he was from Mexico; Chile usually came as a surprise. When asked if the concept of gay marriage was accepted in their countries, Maya from Bulgaria noted that women in her country are generally more open than men as the males tend to be more “macho.” All three students felt that the drinking age of 21 in the US is too high and contributes to problems associated with alcohol abuse. The driving age, on the other hand, is lower in the US. The AFS students alluded that the US is somewhat “backwards” in this area. They believe - and quite logically so - that the US has more problems with drunk driving than other countries because foreign teens learn how to handle alcohol before they learn how to drive. On a more positive note, all three guests were impressed with American hospitality and noted how welcome they feel in the US.





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