“I really liked it,” Lind said, describing his experience in the United States. “I met so many people.”

Lind arrived in California a week before school started and will be departing during summer vacation. 

When the seniors graduate, he will not receive a diploma, but instead, an honorary certificate stating that he completed high school here.

Compared to schooling in Germany, Lind talks about how their elementary teachers choose what type of high school students go to based on their grades. There is a school for those who aren’t doing too well, one for average students, and a school for advanced students.

“In Germany we have one class and go in a group to other classes,” Lind said.

Lind describes high school here as having much more “freedom.” In Germany the students are escorted by their teachers to their next class with the same group whereas here the students are trusted to get to their next class by themselves.

When Lind arrives back home, the first thing he expects to do is go to Spain or find a summer job. As for swimming, Lind believes that he will not have time for the sport. “I’ll miss it, but I’m not sure I’ll do it in Germany,” he said.

  But as Lind prepares to go home, Wu is preparing to stay in America. Both of Wu’s parents have immigrated to New York. Wu plans to stay because he has become familiar with American ways, and fears that if he goes back to Taiwan, he will fall behind.

“I was thinking about going back, but my friends and my parents don’t want me to,” Wu said.

During his stay here, Wu participated in varsity badminton, a sport which has helped him adapt to the new enviornment. “It’s my favorite sport because it’s the only sport I do well.” Wu believes that this is a sport he will continue to play in New York as well.

Wu also says that school here is more or less “stress free.” When students reach their junior year in Taiwan, they must attend tutoring school and for senior year it depends on their grades. Wu mentions that in Taiwan, “They focus more on education than anything and want all to succeed.”

“They put more pressure on the students,” he said. “If failing a class, they give more work.” 

One of the very first things Wu plans to do is get used to the environment in New York and get his education on track. As much as he wants to go back to Taiwan, he knows that his parents will not allow it. 

His parents just want what is best for him, including graduating from an American high school and going to an American university.

“They think education in Taiwan is not appropriate, because I am used to American ways,” Wu said.  But he believes that he has “learned a lot this year.”

As one leaves, one is staying. They both have the same feelings about being at Stagg and agree that it was a “fun” experience.