By: Jaxon Swift, '22
America is considered the land of immigrants made up of people from all around the world to make a unique culture exclusive to America. Just in our school, alone, we have a few non-native teachers with us contributing to such a culture. So, what do the Non-American teachers think of America and specifically American culture in general? I asked several questions regarding American culture, education, and inclusiveness to two of our non-American teachers (Mrs. Olsen and Coach Hayes) for insight on the mind of non-Americans in New Orleans.
Coach Stuart J. Hayes: (United Kingdom)
- How long have you lived in the United States?
Coach Hayes: “I’ve been living in the states since 2006; in Boca Raton ‘till 2010 then New Orleans from 2010 onwards.”
- What made you decide to come to America? And, why New Orleans specifically?
Coach Hayes: “I came to America on a soccer scholarship, then once I was done playing I got offered a job caching a professional soccer team here in Louisiana.”
- What aspect of American culture and behavior did you have trouble adjusting to when you first arrived?
Coach Hayes: “How Americans wear clothes that are way too big for them. Paying for healthcare also.”
- What aspect, if any, is still foreign to you?
Coach Hayes: “I’m pretty much used to it all now.”
- How does schooling in America differ from schooling in your native country?
Coach Hayes: “Schooling in England is much tougher; all tests are graded by external moderators so you can’t sweet talk your way to a good grade.”
- How do you think your students perceive you has a non-native teacher?
Coach Hayes: “Hopefully as someone if interest with a different perspective to help them learn.”
- If you could change any part of American culture, what would it be and why?
Coach Hayes: “Portion size of food. Cost of healthcare. Cost of education.”
Mrs. Brigit A. Olsen (Germany)
- How long have you lived in the United States?
Mrs. Olsen: “Since I entered 8th grade”
- What made you decide to come to America? And, why New Orleans specifically?
Mrs. Olsen: “My dad was in the military and after retirement we settled in New Orleans”
- What aspect of American culture and behavior did you have trouble adjusting to when you first arrived?
Mrs. Olsen: “As silly as this sounds but adding ice to your soft drinks was unusual for me. Not to mention crawfish, which to me were mini lobsters and I had no idea what to do with them. As far as behavior, well, the way people greet each other in Louisiana is very welcoming.”
- What aspect, if any, is still foreign to you?
Mrs. Olsen: “Nothing. I feel at home as if I had never lived anywhere else.”
- How does schooling in America differ from schooling in your native country?
Mrs. Olsen: “School gets out much earlier, but we also do not have a long summer break as in the U.S.”
- How do you think your students perceive you has a non-native teacher?
Mrs. Olsen: “Most hear my accent, but believe I am from up North”
- If you could change any part of American culture, what would it be and why?
Mrs. Olsen: “Nothing. I love the American way and have grown quite accustomed to it. Again, I feel as if I have lived here all my life.”
New Orleans just like the rest of America, is incredibly unique and diverse. Whether it be the way we talk or our “tiny lobsters” that we know and love, New Orleans has always been a melting pot of people across the world. We are blessed to be able to provide shelter for those escaping conflict as well as those who are looking for job opportunities. Holy Cross has played an active role in allowing for non-New Orleanians to adapt to our culture and become a working aspect of the American system.