The Stranger

The middle and high schools in Landivisiau both offer “European Section” options for history/social studies class, in which the teacher speaks almost entirely in English. At the beginning of the year I told a high school ES teachers that I’d be happy to come into his class and talk with the students about America. Students wrote down questions for me back in October, though due to a schedule conflict I didn’t get to go in until last Friday afternoon, after the class went to see “Gran Torino” in the morning. Here are some of the questions (there were also a bunch on the election):

Have you ever been to New York?
In which other states of USA have you ever been? Is it different from yours?
What is your favorite state?
Are there big differences in education between regions?

What subjects do you study at school in USA?
Do you have an exam at the end of high school?
In school, what was your typical day?
What are the differences between French school and American school?

How much does the college cost?
Is it really possible for poor students to go to the university?
Is everyday life less expensive, more expensive as France?

What do you think about the financial crack in the USA?
Is your city touched by the economic crisis?
Do you feel scared with your money in a bank?
Is a candidate able to resolve it in your opinion?

What do you think of the American foreign policy?
Do you agree with the war in Iraq? Why?
Have you got friends in Iraq?
What do you think about the 8 years under Bush’s presidence?
Are you more Republican or more Democrat? For which party do you belong?

What do you think about the gun lobby?
Do you have [a gun] yourself?
In your law, when can you drink? At what ages?
Have you an age to be able to carry a weapon?

What do you think about the French culture? What do you think of Brittany/France?
Are there French influences in everyday life?
Have you ever been in other country except France?

What sort of music do you prefer?
Do you like English rock bands? Like Oasis or Led Zeppelin? Or do you prefer American bands like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club or Guns N’ Roses?
What’s your favorite sport? Do you play one?
What in general young American doing in free time?