SAN MARCOS: Swedish students visiting N. County learn U.S. culture

Group surprised by dress, food, respect for teachers

By JOHN RAIFSNIDER - For the North County Times | Friday, July 18, 2008 5:11 PM PDT ∞

SAN MARCOS ---- Students at Mission Hills High School in San Marcos appear healthier, treat their teachers better but dress less modestly than American high schoolers portrayed on European television.

That's the conclusion of some of the 27 high school and college students visiting from Sweden who took part in a three-week cultural enrichment program that ended Friday at the San Marcos campus.

The students, from 18 cities in Sweden, will spend Sunday in San Francisco before boarding a plane home early Monday.

During a question-and-answer assembly earlier this week at the school, several Swedish students said the America they've experienced during their stay differs from the one they imagined.

"The students we've seen here in America are not as fat as we thought they would be," said a 15-year-old girl in the group.

"I'm surprised by how much respect the students give to the teachers here in America ---- in Sweden we don't treat our teachers that nice," said another Swedish student, a 16-year-old boy.

"We would never be allowed to dress like the girls here do ---- we would not be allowed to show our bra straps at school or in public," said another 17-year-old Swedish girl.

According to Angie Ferguson, a history teacher at Mission Hill High School, the 27 Swedish students were the guests of 17 families in San Marcos.

"All of the host families are from the households of students here at the school," said Ferguson, who has entertained students from China and Italy in recent years. "We don't have a problem finding homes for visiting students. The kids at our school welcome the chance to play host."

English language and American culture were among the subjects Ferguson taught the Swedish students while they studied at Mission Hills High School. Most of the visitors speak fluent English. Among the most popular subjects of American high school culture among the visitors was cheerleading, said Ferguson.

"Since there are more girls than boys in this group, they really enjoyed watching our cheerleaders and learning a few cheers," she said.

During their travels around the county, many in the group said they were dismayed at the number of cars on San Diego roadways and the lack of public transportation.

"In Sweden, we don't have as many cars on the road and you don't see just one person in the car," said Teo Derviskadic, a 16-year-old from Stockholm.

"When we travel, we do it with more than just the driver," Teo said. "I'm surprised that here in America, you don't have more buses and trains for people to ride ---- it seems like such a waste."

Coronado Island ranked among the favorite tourist destinations for the Swedish students, but many said they were anxious to visit San Francisco and cross the Golden Gate Bridge.

While most of the students enjoyed the beach, the sunshine and several of the tourist attractions in the area, one of the staples of Southern California culture didn't appeal to most of the Swedish students.

"None of us care for fast food, we eat a lot more healthy food in Sweden," said Evelina Utterdahl, 16, from Gothenburg. "The teenagers here eat too many hamburgers and too many tacos."

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