First impression

The first impression upon arrival to your new country will always be very special. However, the feelings will vary greatly from person-to-person. Many people feel incredible joy and excitement but there are others who start crying in fear and wondering “What have I done?”. On this page, exchange students will get the chance to tell about their first impressions.

Oscar Carlsson, Wamego, KS - USA (2001 -02)
I was flying from St. Louis to Kansas City (Missouri). Unfortunately, when I got my seat it was exactly beside the engine. “I will try to get you another seat, because it will get very loud,” said the cabin attendant.
After about 10 minutes, they found another seat for me. It was in the middle of two of the biggest people I've ever seen. It was a father and daughter who had been in Europe for a vacation. I felt kind of bad for them because they were very huge – especially when the daughter needed an extender to put the belt around her. But, my feelings changed dramatically when we got our food and the daughter asked her father, “Dad, do you want to change my sandwich for your extra bag of chips?”
So, my first thought was, “I'm going to a big country!” :)