Senior, Julian Taucher, is a foreign exchange student from Austria who is currently attending Normal West for the second semester.
Julian was interested in becoming a foreign exchange student because he wanted to know more people and experience new cultures from around the world.
“I wanted to get to know more people and experience new cultures and different parts of the world because I’ve never been to the US before,” Taucher explained.
Before visiting the US, Taucher had heard many stereotypes about American citizens: they only eat fast food; they ask dumb questions; they drive their cars everywhere; there’s minimal walking; and there’s no public transportation here.
“[I heard, in American] school, bullies exist…kind of like American movies,” Taucher stated.
Luckily, Taucher admits that these rumors of American schools and people have not been true as he has enjoyed his time here thus far.
Taucher’s favorite moment in the USA so far was visiting Chicago for a couple of days.
“I love the big city, it’s great. The people there were really nice, and the big city is really cool for me,” Taucher explained.
There have been some differences between living in Austria and the United States of America, from the schooling system to the food we eat.
“In Austria, the school system is completely different. For example, I have 15 different classes, and it’s not the same every day here in America. School feels like a 9-5 job,” Taucher expressed.
While Taucher is enjoying living in the USA, he expresses misses things from home.
“I would say I miss the mountains, my friends, my mom, and the Austrian cuisine. It’s really good,” Taucher stated.
“But at least I’m a good cook, so I can make it my own.”
Even though there are some big changes for Julian, he is enjoying learning about the USA’s culture and meeting new people.
