Guests from around the world: Junior Tiffany Hu

‘School in China is harder. We have eight classes a day, and we have class from 7 a.m. to around 5-10 p.m.’

Alejandra Montoya

“Everyone here is crazier than in China. There are also many parties; there are parties for friends and parties for families.”

Q: What is the strangest or funniest experience you’ve had since you were here?

A: The wicked parties. Everyone here is crazier than in China. There are also many parties; there are parties for friends and parties for families.

Q: Are you a native English speaker? What other languages do you speak?

A: No, Chinese is my first language. We also go to school speaking Chinese, and everyone has to pick a language to study and I picked English.

Q: What have you learned as a foreign exchange student?

A: I’ve learned about the different cultures here, and also the lifestyle of Americans.

Q: How is school different in your home country? Is it easier? Harder?

A: School in China is harder. We have eight classes a day, and we have class from 7 a.m. to around 5-10 p.m. Some people choose to live in dorms so they can study and work on more schoolwork and some people live at home.

Q: Why did you decide to be a foreign exchange student?

A: The first reason is just to learn how the Americans live and act. I also came here to learn more English so I can attend universities in other countries.

Q: How did you get accustomed here?

A: The host family helped me. They are very understanding and respect my privacy.

Q: What were your expectations coming here and did they meet your criteria?

A: I thought the people would be kind and friendly. In this school, there are fewer people; we have more people in schools in China. It is actually overcrowded in Chinese schools.

Q: Do you get homesick, and if so what do you do to overcome it?

A: Yes, I talk to my host mom, and my good parents to help overcome it.

Q: How is it like living with your host family?

A: They’re nice because if they get involved in this program, that means they [want to help me].

Q: Do you plan on potentially living here in the future, and if so, why?

A: Maybe if I get into any university here, I will live here for that. But other than that I think I would still live in China.

Q: What do you think you’ll gain from this experience?

A: The biggest thing is I think I will learn and improve my English, which is why I came here.