Paul Tinkl (‘17) studies in US History class. Photo by Steve Phanby Steve Phan, Staff Writer
Paul Tinkl (’17), who is originally from Karlsruhe, Germany, signed up for an exchange student program called the American Field Service (AFS) to request for a year of studying abroad in America. Then, out of a list of possible candidates, Leah Phillips (‘16) accepted to host Tinkl for the 2015-2016 school year.
“We are able to show [Tinkl] what we do in our daily lives and he’s able to make his own conclusions about American culture versus German culture,” said Phillips.
From Tinkl’s perspective, one of the most distinct differences between the two countries is in regards to the education system. Tinkl states that the there are no school sports, a fixed class schedule everyday, and high school consists of grades five through twelve. Because high school starts with the fifth grade, he was also able to start learning English at a very young age.
“You have thirty people who you have class with and you also cannot choose any different classes like photography. There are no electives [in Germany].” says Tinkl.
The environment in California is also very different from Germany’s. The weather in Karlsruhe is around 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit whereas it is usually 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit here in Orange County. Houses here are also smaller and more cramped together than in suburban Karlsruhe, where there are vast amounts of land space between large houses.
Tinkl believes that while many stereotypes about America are untrue, some are credible with his experience here so far.
“I drink a lot of soda here. You have fountains, free refills… We don’t have free refills [in Germany],” said Tinkl about American stereotypes on foods and beverages
“For beer and wine, the drinking age in Germany is 16. [The drinking age] is 18 for stuff with more alcohol [concentration],” said Tinkl on stereotypes that Americans have about Germany.
Tinkl plans to return to Germany on June 28, 2016 but says that he enjoys California and its lifestyle.
Phillips recommends that all families try hosting a foreign exchange student.
“By bringing Paul to Fountain Valley High School, we were not only able to embrace the diversity that Paul brought as well as to show and help the students learn about the culture,” said Phillips.
