Discovered by AlphaSystem on alphacoders.com
RYAN MONNET
COUNTRY
Switzerland
Current School
High School
How did you feel when you learned you’d be moving to the Hampton Roads area in the US?
I felt confused. I was also stunned by the fact my parents had decided to rip me out of my environment on such a short notice. I was scared as well not knowing what the area was like. Would I be with people who believed similar to me or would they be completely different? How would it compare to my city?
Was the educational system in the US different from your home country’s? If so, do you prefer it or not, and why?
The US education I have experienced may be far different from the public system. Families arriving in the US must realize that where you live matters extraordinarily to the quality of education. I strongly recommend looking into the school you will be assigned to when you move because it can severely affect your experience. I go to a private school and school is still less difficult than in Switzerland. I prefer it even though it is easier. It feels like a much more personal connection between you and the school. You feel like a person rather than just a part of the system.
Did you keep in touch with your friends and relatives from where you previously lived? If yes, what method worked best, and/or how often are you able to contact them?
Yes, I keep in touch with as many people as I can. I play video games, which makes staying connected with my friends far easier. I also send messages and try to call them as much as possible. I contact them through WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, and other methods.
Are you in touch with any other NATO officer kids? Tell us a few things about that experience.
I am not in touch with other NATO officer kids.
What do you usually do for fun after moving here? Do you have any suggestions for activities we could try?
I usually try to hangout with my classmates. Go to the school dances and find classmates that live near you and hangout with. Or if you have a hobby focus on it and go fully into it. I would mainly hangout with classmates as you will not be able to move around much yourself, as you will very likely be unable to drive.
Have you been on any trips within the US or to the surrounding countries? If yes, tell us a few things about the experience and make some suggestions on what the rest of us could try.
I would highly suggest visiting the northern East Coast; Maine, Rhode Island, Maryland, and Pennsylvania are great locations. I would suggest visiting New Mexico, Arizona (Grand Canyon), or the rest of Virginia. I would suggest that you hike the Appalachian Trail.
Are you involved in any extracurricular activities either in your school or in outside organizations? Tell us about your experience.
I am involved in various sports teams, however my strongest recommendation is joining a team sport that has practice before the beginning of the school year such as the American Football team. I joined the team to have the full American experience, and in that process, I had a great time, met many great friends, and really integrated myself. It is a very difficult sport if your English is not the best. I would recommend the soccer team if you have previous experience.
How did the language barrier (if applicable) affect your experience? Do you have any tips for future newcomers struggling with learning English?
I speak English natively so it didn’t affect me. I would be highly unqualified to give tips about learning English.
What are a few difficulties you faced when moving to the US that you haven’t already mentioned?
Being unable to drive during my first year of living in the US made it extremely difficult to do anything. I had to have my parents to practice and parties, which made me feel as if I was a being a burden. Do realize there is no public transport.
What do you wish you had already known before moving to the US?
How important cars are for every aspect of life. Everything requires you to drive somewhere as public transport is non-existent.