Jan Steinmann, our exchange student from Switzerland, was the featured speaker for the day's lunch. Jan was introduced by Caitlyn, who has been hosting Jan for the past several months. Jan is from Lucerne and is a student at Southwestern, where he participates in Cross Country. She said that since he's been in the United States, he has become more understanding of American humor and loves American food.
Jan provided an excellent presentation, sharing details about his life in Switzerland, as well as what he's been up to since coming to the U.S. and Jamestown. He shared details about his home country, noting that it is relatively small (about the size of Connecticut) with a population of $9.1 million. The main language spoken there is German, along with French, Italian, and Romansh. It is known for being located in the Alps. When it comes to food, its mostly known for its cheese (including Fondue) and chocolate. His hometown of Lucerne is known for the Chapel Bridge, built in 1333 and renowned as Europe's oldest covered wooden bridge and the world's oldest surviving truss bridge.
Jan shared that he speaks German, but also speaks English and some French. He enjoys the outdoors and plans to be a graphic designer when he returns home. He said that his father is a nursing home director, his mother is a nurse, and he has one sibling (a younger sister). He said that his father is a Rotarian, and encouraged him to join the Rotary Exchange program. He admitted that he hoped to go to either New Zealand, Norway, or Canada. He was accepted to placed in District 7090. He was unaware that District 7090 includes Western New York and was surprised he was placed in Jamestown. However, he said that he wasn't disappointed and actually enjoys staying in the U.S. and in our community - where he is learning more about American Culture and has also gotten much better with his English. He also looks forward to traveling and will soon visit both New York City and Washington, DC. He said traveling has been his favorite part about staying here.
During Q&A, Jan answered a variety of questions. He talked about education in Switzerland, saying that schooling typically lasts nine years there and then they move on to work, apprenticeship, or university. He also said that he doesn't have a specific favorite food (it all tastes good) and likes to eat anything. He said one of the biggest surprises for him is how dependent Americans are on automobiles and how frequently they use them. But he added he understands why, because things are more spread out here. Everyone Thanks Jan for his presentation and sharing more details about his life and time here in the U.S.
Following Jan's presentation, Michelle thanked everyone for attending. The meeting was then adjourned.
Jan shared that he speaks German, but also speaks English and some French. He enjoys the outdoors and plans to be a graphic designer when he returns home. He said that his father is a nursing home director, his mother is a nurse, and he has one sibling (a younger sister). He said that his father is a Rotarian, and encouraged him to join the Rotary Exchange program. He admitted that he hoped to go to either New Zealand, Norway, or Canada. He was accepted to placed in District 7090. He was unaware that District 7090 includes Western New York and was surprised he was placed in Jamestown. However, he said that he wasn't disappointed and actually enjoys staying in the U.S. and in our community - where he is learning more about American Culture and has also gotten much better with his English. He also looks forward to traveling and will soon visit both New York City and Washington, DC. He said traveling has been his favorite part about staying here.
During Q&A, Jan answered a variety of questions. He talked about education in Switzerland, saying that schooling typically lasts nine years there and then they move on to work, apprenticeship, or university. He also said that he doesn't have a specific favorite food (it all tastes good) and likes to eat anything. He said one of the biggest surprises for him is how dependent Americans are on automobiles and how frequently they use them. But he added he understands why, because things are more spread out here. Everyone Thanks Jan for his presentation and sharing more details about his life and time here in the U.S.
Following Jan's presentation, Michelle thanked everyone for attending. The meeting was then adjourned.
