What does it mean to grow up as a teenage boy or girl in Saudi Arabia?
How does this compare to your own life as a teenager in the U.S.?
1. Read the articles on "Growing Up Saudi".
2. Imagine that your family is participating in a student exchange program, and your visiting student is from Saudi Arabia and staying 2 weeks. Think about: What might you need to do to prepare for your guest? What issues might he or she face in your home, school and community? After reading the 2 articles, Write a letter to your exchange student and identify some of the cultural differences and explain how you will try to make him or her feel comfortable in American society. Make up a name for your exchange student. What is a common first name for a boy or girl in Saudi Arabia. Post your letter to the blog in the usual way.
2. Imagine that your family is participating in a student exchange program, and your visiting student is from Saudi Arabia and staying 2 weeks. Think about: What might you need to do to prepare for your guest? What issues might he or she face in your home, school and community? After reading the 2 articles, Write a letter to your exchange student and identify some of the cultural differences and explain how you will try to make him or her feel comfortable in American society. Make up a name for your exchange student. What is a common first name for a boy or girl in Saudi Arabia. Post your letter to the blog in the usual way.
68 comments:
Dear Amira,
I am so glad to know that you will be temporally living with me and my family for the next few weeks. I know that there are cultural differences as of religion, laws, and overall behavior. I am aware also that you have a different way of culture we don't have to wear certain clothes. Women can drive and show there face. I will try to prepare for your visit by having meetings, talks, meetings, even trips so you can look at how different it is here then your home, or even what might be the same. There may be some issues you might face at my home because we are of a Catholic faith. We also all eat together and stay in one house with one entrance to each of our rooms. Men and women can feel free to relax together. The community has certain laws and aspects to show that needs to be followed. At school you can't show any type of religious garb. I will make you feel comfortable through here we are allowed to view and have a facebook and listen to music with instruments. Hopefully you enjoy your stay in America.
Sincerely,
Alison Kenny P.d. 4
Abir-
life in america, as you probably already know is much different from what you might be used to. For example, here it is not forbiden to talk to a girl, there is no segrigation of the sexes and there are definitely no religious police.
I wouldn't worry though, at my home, my family and I will try our best to accommodate to your traditions. We can find the direction of Mecca so you will know where to pray each day, and we can also prepare traditional meals so you don't feel too homesick.
Unfortunatley there may be a few problems that would be unavoidable unless you want to stay at the house all day. For example, school would pose a problem if you are unwilling to associate with girls because our school are not segregated, and simply walking around the neighborhood you would come into contact or at least see many women, but i'm sure we can work something out
-sincerely: Thomas wilder
Steve Woll Pd:5
Dear Jabar,
I will try to make your stay for two weeks as comfortable as possible. Here women are not covered up and the strict atmosphere is not present. Your religious police are not present as well. We have prepared normal American food for you. We also have provided a cell phone for you to keep in contact with your fiancé.
Life is different here. Your facial hair can somewhat blend in with our society. If your fiancé visits, she will have a little problem with the cover-up. That doesn't blend in with the American culture to well. You might need to shave if that is okay. In our norms, beards don't always give good impressions.
Lifestyle wise, you will be fine because men in your culture pretty much live freely. Here you can speak face to face with women without getting in trouble. Women will also be able to drive and will not always have a complete family, so don’t get offended.
Clothes will be supplied to you by us. We have jeans and t-shirts, which are acceptable in our society. You will not need your desert like robes here. English is a language you must master too. I know you know some, but it is a different culture. We do not have prayers all the time like you, so sometimes it will just be you praying and nobody else around you. I hope you travel safely.
Steve
Amy Yang
Period: 5
Dear Amirah,
I am so excited that you are staying at my house for your exchange program. America is less conservative than Saudi Arabia, people here can talk to whomever they want despite your gender. But, you will get use to it pretty qucikly because people are nicer and instead of using cell phone to talk to the opposite sex, you can just talk to them face to face. Basically, there is more individual freedom in America than Saudi Arabia. Some of the issues that you might be facing is the openess of people in the U.S, but they are just being friendly to you.
In order to prepare for your visit, I would learn to speak some arabic, and learn how to make couple arabic dishes so that you won't be really homesick.
Love,
Amy
P.S. Hope to see you soon!!!!
Amanda Kida
Period:7
Dear A'isha,
There are a few things different in America that you aren't used to in Saudi Arabia. For one thing, girls here are allowed to wear whatever we want, wherever we want. We are allowed to drive ourselves, and the cars we drive in do not have tinted windows unless they are built that way. I go to a public school, so girls and boys aren't separated like you are in Saudi Arabia. Everybody eats together, at home and in restaurants. Our worlds are so different! In your country, boys and girls are always separated, but in the USA we are always together. Girls over there are not allowed to date, but we're allowed to here. When you get here, it will be a major culture change, but i will help you get used to it. I could lend you some American clothes to wear to school, and if it doesn't feel right talking to guys thats okay. I definetly think that its going to be really hard for you to get used to my culture in 2 weeks, but it will fly by really fast. Me and my family are really excited to have you here, and we cant wait to meet you in person!
From,
Amanda
Dear Johara,
I'm so excited that you're coming! I told my family a little about your culture so that they won't ask any uncomfortable questions or be disrespectful somehow. My dad will be away while you're here, so it's just me, my mom, and sister around. I understand that in your culture the sexes are seperated and you must be covered in public, but that's not required in my culture. The men and women wear what they want and can be together anywhere. I'll be sure to stay with you so that you won't feel lonely or unwelcome. Coming to my school may be different for you because of the boys, or shopping in the mall or something, but it shouldn't be too bad. If people stare at you or if you overhear them talking aobut you, just know it's probably out of curiosity. As long as you stick with me, no one will be rude or think there's a problem. I'll make sure you have a pleasant stay here!
Sincerely, Jade
pd 4
Bishr is a regular first name for a guy in the Middle East and it means joy from a website called,'http://www.ummah.net/family/masc.html"
Hassan is a normal last name which usually means the rank of a family member.
Dear Bishr Hassan
In America, we aren't as strict as Saudi Arabia is, especially with the splitting of sexes. Our laws don't have as many punishments as you do in Saudi Arabia. Our country is more diverse, but Saudi Arabia isn't as diverse as America. There are many people with different cultures in America, so there isn't much segregation between girls and guys. When you come and visit, I will separate the house with the separation of sexes to make you feel more comfortable to your normal home. There isn't much else I can do to help you feel more comfortable because school is something i can't change and segregation can't be changed.
From, Brian Lee
Ghadah is a girl name in Arabic and it means beautiful. Mansour is her last name and it is a pretty high rank compared to other families.
Dear Ghadah mansour,
My name is Brian Lee and I'm hosting you. Guys and girls can see and talk to each other without getting in trouble in America. Guys won't bluetooth or send messages to you electronically as much many people would do in your country. When you come over, I will have setup a room, so you won't too close to all the guys in the house, so you may be more comfortable and have more privacy. I will allow you to wear your abayas anywhere, so you would feel like home if you want. We also won't judge you for how you look.
From Brian Lee
Dear Shaden,
I would love for you to come to my house and live with my family. But first I have to prepare for you to stay. First I would need to have you go to an all girls school like you do at home. My mom would drive you to school because America doesn't have segregated buses and you can't drive. Every day we will try to find a way where you can pray five times. My brother and dad wont see your face or hear you in respect of your religion. Lastly we wont play music in the house due to the fact it is forbidden.
Abington is very different than Saidi Arabia in many ways. All of America isn't segregated by men and females. Also women have just as many rights like voting and driving.
In Abington girls and boys communicate with each other. Overall Abington is totally different.
I hope that you will stay with my family and we will try to make America comfortable for you!!
From: Emily Towey Pd.4
Carly Christian
Period 7
Dear Bahira,
Hi! I'm Carly and you'll be staying with my family in America for two weeks. Our culture and everyday life is very different from Saudi Arabia's and that may be a little overwhelming at first. Boys and girls have MUCH more contact in America than in Saudi Arabia. We go to school together and every class is coed. On the bright side, boys hardly ever chase girls, and, because there is so much interaction, they don't bug them as much as they will in Saudi Arabia. Also, I'm aware that music is forbidden in Saudi Arabia, but music is playing in many public places here, so that may make you uncomfortable. Women are permitted to do many things here that they might not be in your country, such as drive and vote, but they are not forced too, so that won't be a problem for you. One last thing that you might be uncomfortable with is the clothing here in America. I know that you wear abayas, black head-to-toe cloaks, but not hardly any people wear them here. You'll be allowed to wear whatever you want, but people will notice your differences because we show most of our skin, even at school. Despite all of these cultural differences, I know that your stay in the United States will be a new experience that you won't forget.
See you soon!
-Carly
Devin Gannon
Period 7
Dear Alia,
When you come to visit me things might be a little different from where you live. Like I have dinner with my Dad and brother every night, and we show our faces. I can also hang out with my cousins, girl or boy. At my school there are boys and girls, i even have friends that are boys, but when you come we don't have to talk to them or anything. I also go to a mall with guys and girls at the same place, but if you would feel weird going we could do something else.
As you can see it is very different here in the united states, but it will be fun to exerience culture different than yours.
hope to see you soon,
Devin Gannon
Ian Farrell
Per: 5
Hello Nalder,
Here in America There are many things that are diffrent about our cultures. First women in America do not have to cover there faces. You are allowed to talk to women that you do not know. When you call a girl you like it you don't have to keep it a sercret. When you come to America my family and I are going to try and make it nice for you. We will not make you change your cultural ways.
Sincerly Ian
Dear Abdul,
Hello and welcome to the United States. While I do believe that you will enjoy America, it will be very different from what you are used to. You may see that as a teenager you have much more freedom here than in Saudi Arabia. You may notice in your stay here that restrictions here are not as conservative, only pertaining to illegal activity. I do believe that you will enjoy your freedoms here. Have a safe trip!
Sincerely,
Jake Randazzo
Chynna West period 5
Dear Muhammad,
As you know you will be coming to live with me in America for a few weeks. Don't forget to get a letter from your father so you will be able to leave the country. Anyway I have researched some things about your country so I can plan what things we will be doing for you to experience a totally new lifestyle. As you know I'm a girl so you might be wondering how we can even see each other. Well in America girls don't wear abayas so you will be able to see my face. Also we don't have cell phone restrictions. Basically every teenager in America has a cell phone, so no worries, I have already got you one so you won't seem out of place. Here you are allowed to talk to whomever you please so don't hestitate. So I read about how in Saudi Arabia girls in boys go to separate schools, but when you come to America my school is coed meaning girls and boys attend the same schools. If you have a girlfriend here you can see her face, talk to her all you want, and even have her as a friend on Facebook. I'm very excited for you to come to America so I can show you all the things that differ from your lifestyle and hopefully you can teach me some new things too. Can't wait to meet you!
Sincerly, Chynna
Dear Alia,
I'm so excited for you to come stay with my family and me in the Unites States. I will try my hardest to make this transition very easy for you. So you don't become homesick, I will set up a computer with internet access for you so you can stay connected with your family and friends. If you would like, i will even set up a web-cam so you can ee your family. In your country, there are rules about being around men who you are not related to, so my older brother will be staying at a friends house while you are visiting. During your stay in America you may feel uncomfortable at times. You may get some glares from stereotypic people on the streets. So, if you wish, I will try and keep you in smaller groups of people who understand about your culture. I will even set up a girls night out with some of my friends. I really hope you enjoy your stay here with my family and me in the United States. See you soon,
Marissa Jones
Period 5 : ) : )
Jasmine Goodwin
Pd.5
Dear Adeeba,
I'm thrilled for your visiting for the next couple of weeks.I have done some research on your culture, and i feel there is a few things i should warn you about of the American society.The everyday life of a teenage girl has several differences from the life of an average Saudi Arabian girl.Your everyday wearing of your veil may have poeple in a shock as you walk by. People in america, and a lot of teenage girls are very used to exposure of the body.This is obviously the complete opposite of your religious beliefs.Teenage girls seem to think more exposure of the body brings more attention from the opposite sex.Therefore you may find it shocking to see half dressed girls walking though the school hallways. Speaking of school, my school happens to be co-ed. Meaning i also go to school with teenage males.We share the same classrooms, and cafeterias.I'm aware that if Saudi girls attend school it is strictly for girls only.Also at family affairs we fiest as a family,including the males.We don't engage in seperate sections to seperate the sexes.In America even our dating is illustrated differently.If a boy seems to like someone from the opposite sex he has all the freedom to walk up to her and engage in what you would call numbering.I will try my best to make you feel as comfortable as possible by informing my fellow classmates, and neighbors of what to expect from you in terms of your religion so they will have the correct understanding of it.I know at first this society will be difficult for you to understand, but i'm sure you'll be very acustom to it before you leave from visiting.You're going to have a wonderful time here in the states.I can't wait to see you!
Sincerly,
Jasmine
Talya Greenblatt
Pd. 4
Dear Sanaa
I am very excited for you to come to America!! I know that being in America will be very unfamiliar to you compared to Saudi Arabia, so to make you comfortable, you should know that the only male is the house is my father and he is always home late. Also, in my house, we have a exercise room, computers and tvs so you can stay busy inside the house. Though it will be hard to go out because males and females are always in contact, hopefully there is enough in the house to keep you busy. I am can't wait to see you!!
~Talya
Jennifer Bender
Period 4
Abel is a middle eastern name which means wild rose. http://www.lebanesedoctors.com/Pages/BabyNames/BabyNamesGirlsAG.html
Dear Abel,
Welcome to America! My family and I are so excited to have you staying with us! These two weeks will be life changing! There are so many fun things that we will be doing! I know that our cultures are different in many ways but don't worry, we'll make the best of it.
Everyday you will be going to school with me. In school I have classes with boys and I know you usually go into different classrooms. If you don’t feel comfortable then you will not have to stay in the room with me. Women are allowed to drive here. I will be driving and so will my mom. The attire her in America is much different from Saudi Arabia. Women show more skin and are allowed to wear pretty much anything they would like to.
At my house my family eats together. There are no separate rooms for women and men. We also use the same doors to get into the house. My parents fell in love and got married. There are no arranged marriages. You fall in love with someone and that is who you marry. It usually isn’t a cousin either. Gyms, movie theaters and malls are all co-ed. Women do just as much as men do. They get jobs after college and also manage to have families.
We will go shopping once you are here and get you some clothes! I want you to see the city so we will also be going there too! If there is anything that you would like to do that you have seen or heard of, lets do it!
I know this might all sound foreign, which it is but I promise you we will have lots of fun! If you ever don’t feel comfortable then we will find ways to make it better for you! I hope you have an amazing time with my family and I!
Sincerely,
Jen :)
Dear, Omar
I've been studying your culture and religion, since we last wrote, and I've seen that it much different from mine. For example, in Saudi Arabia, women and men are much more segregated. Here, boys and girls can be friends, and girls have the same rights as boys. We really don't have any laws as strict as yours, and quite frankly, I am a little afraid of going on this exchange program, because I don't know if I will break the law much easier, there. I also don't know if they will accept me there, because I am not Muslim. But, you will be welcome, here. We have a lot more freedoms here, and we are generally more accepting of different people. My family will do their best to make you feel comfortable, here. Don't be alarmed at our different laws, but remember that it will be much different, when you go back.
Sincerely, Chris Finestone
(Period 7)
Dear Rajaa Alsanea,
Welcome to America. The exchange program that you are doing will show you how America is and i hope you will enjoy it. The are some cultural differences that you will see. When your arrive I will explain the rules. I will do my best in order to make you feel comfortable. If you see something that you want to do I will be glad to do the activity with you. We can go to the mall, the city, and you will see how American schools are. since you are a girl you may want to cover your identity, I understand that. If you would like to see how American girls dress, or if you like the style there are many stores. I hope you will enjoy your stay.
Sincerely Lupo Zeneli,
Period 7
Dear Amar,
I understand that you are coming to live with my family and I for a couple of weeks and I just wanted to tell you some things about our society. America is a lot more free than Saudi Arabia. In America the women are allowed to wear whatever they please and drive. The men are allowed to see the women and even chat with them without getting punished. My family has arranged some things in order for you to feel more at home. My mom has prepared some arabian food for you and we have all vowed not to play music while you are here.I have even learned some basics of the Arabian language. The only problem is that you might see some women without a veil on if you leave the house. Inside the house my mother and sister will be wearing a veil. We will try our best to make you feel comfortable.
Roman Rosales
Pd.7
Joe Hegerich
Pd.5
Dear Muhammad,
I know that our cultures are very different, but I will try to make you feel as comfortable as possible during your two week stay with us. Many things may conflict with your religious beliefs in the United States, as people are not required to follow a specific religion. So, that means that men and women are allowed to communicate with each other, women can drive, men and women are not segregated, women can display their faces, and there are no religious police to enforce the laws of Islam. This only affects you by allowing you to speak with women. I do not know if you have an issue with that, but you may find that it will be difficult to make it through a day without talking to a woman. However, I will do what I can to make you feel comfortable by learning to cook some Arabic dishes. What's you favorite?
Sincerely, Joe Hegerich.
Dear Shaden,
I realize that when you come to America, some things will have to be arranged so that you can be comfortable here. I also realize that you can’t talk to the opposite gender in Saudi Arabia. In America, it’s perfectly fine for members of the opposite gender to converse with each other. I’ll let my brother and dad know you probably can’t talk to them because of your Saudi values. You can always talk with me or my mom if anything comes up. So you can take your abaya off and feel comfortable in my family’s house, you can sleep and stay in my room. When going to school, my parents can drive you and I’ll help you get situated with your classes. For the first couple days or so, I’ll see if I can escort you to your classes. The only problem would be that boys would be in your classes. I’ll try to get all of your teachers to tell the boys in your classes that you probably can’t talk to them either. The technologies you use are basically the same as the ones we use here, so that shouldn’t be a problem. The only problem would be that TV’s here have music channels and most, if not all, shows have music in them. If there is a show you could watch that doesn’t have music in it, I’ll let you know. If anything makes you uncomfortable, you can always talk to me about it and I’ll help. I can’t wait until you come!
Sincerely,
Carolyn DeLucas Pd. 5
Sean Fennell
Period 4
Dear Makki,
I am very excited that you will be coming to stay with me here in my home. America is very different then what you may be used to in your society. We may have different rules about things and in some cases be less strict about enforcing them. There is a chance you will be surprised about how men and women interact in our culture. For instance it is not forbidden to talk to the women you want to marry before you get married. There is also little difference in what men and women are permitted to do. Women do not have to cover there faces and are aloud to drive. MY family will make sure to make you feel as at home as possible, but we will also try to give you a taste of how Americans live there lives everyday. Hopefully this trip will be a great experience for both of us. Can't wait to see you!
-Sean
Dear A'isha,
I am so excited that you're staying with me and my family for two weeks. There are many differences between your culture and american culture, so it may seem awkward to you, but i know you'll end up liking it. In Saudi Arabia, every girls have to wear abayas, which covers up completely from head-to-toe. In US, you have a free choice of wearing any clothes. In addition, women has same rights as men, everyone is equal in this country. We can drive, or vote. I know in Saudi Arabia, you have separate rooms,and different entrances for each of the sexes, but here we can live together with men. Many girls sometimes dream of a real romance like in the movies. Here, people can date whoever they like, and meet anyone they would like. Also, here they don't have to get married to whoever their parents choose, people marry who they actually love. This country might look very weird to you, but once you get used to it, you'll love it. Until you get used to this place, i'll help you and support you with anything. I hope you enjoy your stay in America.
Thank you
Sincerely,
Jenna Im
Period 4
- where i found the name:
http://www.babynology.com/meaning-a'isha-f3.html
Dear Sanaa,
I can't wait until you get here! It'll be such an interesting experiance, although I get it if your nervous about the differences between hear and Saudi Arabia, but I've got that covered (mostly). So, if you wanna come to my school, you should know it's co-ed. If you don't feel comfortable with that then don't worry, we'll go to some museums and stuff instead (I don't mind missing school at all). So the whole male and female seperation thing that you have in Saudi Arabia doesn't exist here. You don't have to worry about being frowned upon or judged for hanging out around guys while you're here (it's a very normal thing to do in America). You don't even have to wear your Abaya if you don't want to. But if you feel more comfortable wearing it then go ahead, that's not a problem at all. Except, I don't thing you'd be allowed to wear it to school, I'm not sure if it's the same basic principle, but I've seen girls wearing headscarves before at school, so I'm pretty sure thats fine. When it comes to music though, I hope you don't feel to conservatively towards it, because music with instruments is everywhere here in the U.S (but it's fun to dance to!).
Can't wait until you're here! Sincerely,
Rachel
(Period 4)
Dear Bahira,
I can not tell you how much i am looking forward to your arrival. You staying with me a my family will hopefully be a very enriching experience for the both of us. I am excited to learn things about how you society works and functions. I am hoping to make it so that you will learn just as much from me as I hope to from you.My family will help your experience by showing you all the great things America has to offer There are somethings you should be aware of before arriving in America. America is much less strict and harsh than you are used to. Everyone eats together at dinner, men and women. Women are also not expected to cover themselves when with men or any other time. There may also be a language barrier for you when you arrive, so I think it would be smart to learn at least the basics of English. Overall i think you will learn a lot from this trip. Seeya at the Airport.
Your Friend,
Chelsea Dyjak,
Period 4
Dear Sanaa,
There are a few things different in America that you aren't used to in Saudi Arabia. For one thing, girls here are allowed to wear whatever we want, wherever we want. We are allowed to drive ourselves, and the cars we drive in do not have tinted windows unless they are built that way. I go to a public school, so girls and boys aren't separated like you are in Saudi Arabia. Everybody eats together, at home and in restaurants. Our worlds are so different! In your country, boys and girls are always separated, but in the USA we are always together. Girls over there are not allowed to date, but we're allowed to here. When you get here, it will be a major culture change, but i will help you get used to it. I could lend you some American clothes to wear to school, and if it doesn't feel right talking to guys thats okay. I definetly think that its going to be really hard for you to get used to my culture in 2 weeks, but it will fly by really fast. Me and my family are really excited to have you here, and we cant wait to meet you in person!
See you soon! Best regards,
Hadley Rosenbaum
Period 4
Jackie Boyd
Period 5
Dear A'lia,
I am so excited that we will be living together for the next two weeks! I know that it might be scary to come here at first, but you'll get used to it, and will quickly feel at home. I know that in Saudi Arabia boys and girls are separated, but in the United States its very different. Girls and boys are together most of the time, including in school and at home. I also understand that girls must wear abayas at all times in public in Saudi Arabia, but most girls don't wear them here. Theres no rules against them, but you might feel uncomfortable, or stand out in one. Also, here in the United States, women have more freedom then they do where you live, and are allowed to drive and vote. Luckily, you will not be forced to, so if you're not comfortable with that you dont have to. I can't wait for you to come here to America! See you soon!
Jackie
Dear Medina,
This is just a welcoming letter saying that my family and I welcome you to the United States. I wrote this letter to inform you about the cultural differences here in America as opposed to where you live in Saudi Arabia. The biggest cultural difference in my opinion is the separation of the sexes. In the U.S., there is no separation of boys and girls. We are allowed to interact with each other and girls and boys are allowed to be friends; there is no law saying otherwise and therefore, there is no punishment for interacting with the opposite sex. Girls are allowed to have boys as friends on Facebook, talk on the phone with them, and go places together, such as the mall or a restaurant. Also, us girls do not have to wear abayas in public or cover our faces when we are out of the house. However, what we wear is a personal choice; you are permitted to still wear your abaya during your visit here in America if you wish. Lastly, girls are allowed to drive in the U.S., as long as you are at least 16 years old and have either a learner’s permit or a license, so we don’t need a male driver to take us where we want to go.
While you are staying at my house, I want you to be as comfortable as if you were in your own home. If you do not wish to interact with boys, that is your choice and is fine with me. Although there isn’t a mosque anywhere around where I live for your daily prayers, I will set up a prayer mat in my home facing Mecca so that you can pray here as you do in Saudi Arabia. You can also carry that prayer mat at school so you can pray in a nearby stairwell, too. If you don’t feel comfortable around my family or if it’s against your religion of Islam, you can wear your abaya in my home, too, as well as at school or in public.
With that said, I hope you have a safe flight and that you enjoy your stay in America!
Sincerely,
Renee Tornea, Period 7
Dear Asad,
I can't wait until you come to my home in the United States, you will love it here. As you know we are not as strict as your country is with opposite sexes. You can do a lot of things with females here. You can attend the same schools, shop at the same malls, talk to them on on the phone, eat at the same table, and the girls don't have to hide their faces. You can also add them as a friend on your facebook. You can still practice your religion here, my family and I will help you find the direction of Mecca so you can do your prayers. If you have a problem with attending a coed school like mine, we can send you to a all boy school like LaSalle Prep. I'm really looking forward to meeting you, and showing you my home!
Sincerely,
Julian Keys
Period 4
Dear Gafar,
Hey, I'm hunter and I can't wait for you to come and spend two weeks with me and my family! The culture and way of life is very different from Saudi Arabia, which may worry you, but I'll help you adjust. First of all, us boys and girls are in contact with each other a lot more here. Almost everything is coed and intergrated between boys and girls, like schools, malls, and many other places. So, you won't have to be as secretive, or try as hard to talk to girls while here. I also know that women in your country are not allowed to do things such as drive and vote, so if you see this going on, I don't want you to be uncomfortable with it because it is allowed in America. Another difference that you will probably come in contact with is that music is not forbidden here as it is in Saudi Arabia. Which means that if you hear music being played, don't be alarmed. You may even find you enjoy it! The last thing I will ready you for is that the women here are allowed to wear whatever they want which a lot of the time means, showing their skin. It is just a regular part of life here and I know it will be different for you, but it does enable you to actually see what the women look like and lets them express their individuality. As you can see our cultures have many different aspects on everyday life, but I assure you that I will help you adjust with anything you need, and it will be a wonderful experience!
Can't wait to meet you!
-Hunter Maerz
Pd.4
Dear Kareem,
My family is excited to have you staying with us for two weeks. There are many differences between American culture and the Saudi culture, but I will do my best to try to make you as comfortable as you can be. Most of the major differences have to do with women playing a role in everyday life in America and having all the same rights as men. They can wear what they want and also work at any job or drive a car. You don't have to do anything that your religion prohibits and we will try to make it as comfortable for you as possible. I can't wait to meet you.
-Max Breitkreutz Period 4
Dear Abir,
You will be staying with my family and I for the next two weeks in America. Things in America are going to be very different than things in Saudi Arabia. We have very different cultures. Here boys and girls are not segregated. We share all of the same places: schools, malls, and movie theaters. Also boys and girls are aloud to interact with one another. We can talk to each other and it is not against the rules. This is different from your culture but in ours it is perfectly acceptable. In school we are not allowed to talk about religion but when you have to pray I think that you can find a place where you can do that. In my family at dinner we all eat at the same table. Not at separate places and women do not have to cover their faces. This probably sounds very different from what you are used to. So I am going to try and make you as comfortable as possible when you stay with my family. I hope that you will enjoy the time that you spend in America. We can not wait to see you. Have a safe trip here.
-Tyler
Tyler Conroy-Pd.7
Dear Muhammad,
I can't wait until come down to America. I've been counting down the days,minutes, and hours until I see your face. There are going to be differences your going to notice cultural wise. Your going to notice when you come into school with me that you are going to see both men and women walking and talking together. You are allowed to talk to women and no problem would come upon you. I know it's not apart of your usually day but if you feel a certain way as if you are violated you could stay in the house. After all your school in Saudi Arabia are divided differently by sex. You will notice down in America with me, there will be a lot of temptation. For example in Saudi Arabia there's segregation between men and women if your not related.If you come to the mall in America it will be full of both men and women conversing that are unrelated. You might feel strange and odd being as though you are not obligated to talk to any of the females around. There will not be separation between you and the women and I really hope you can handle it without it being a problem.
You will also notice that men and women eat together as a family without having to cover up in my family. Your going to notice that men are allowed to text and actually talk and see girls they want to see in my family. Men and women have the opportunity to all chill and have fun together and even go out to the movie theater. There is no religious police to tell you what to do, only the district police. I understand you might not like fried chicken and soul food, so we can accommodate your needs by ordering out or even going to a restaurant. Also it wouldn't matter what hand you use to eat with. For instance i understand you eat with your right hand, but if u wanted you could eat with your left. You won't have to worry about looking for women in cars with tinted windows while your down here also. I also understand you pray five times a day and I have no problem with that. Me and my family only prays once a day. So you can take a break and I'll help you find Mecca and you can pray.
I hope your enjoy yourself with the freedom you have here... I hope there is no disrespect and regret for coming to America.
Cant wait till we finally meet
Sincerely,
Stanley Taylor P.5
Dear Muhammad,
As I'm you may know, life here in America is very different from what your accustomed to in Saudi Arabia. You'll be living with us for a while, so you may need to get used to our customs and the norms of our society. Its not illegal in anyway to look at a woman, or for a woman to be out in public by herself here. Women also don't have to cover themselves up in public.
Although this will most likely seem weird or different to you at first, I'm sure you will get used to it, and begin to like it. Me and my family will try to make it as easy for you to learn to like our ways here in America. Ive already told my family some things about where you come from, as well as your religious views. We're all hoping that you can tell us even more, and about how life is living in Saudi Arabia.
I look forward to meeting you soon, and getting to talk to you face to face for the first time. When you get here I'll fill you in in more detail about life here in America, and the time you spend here will be gone before you know it.
-Ryan Woerner, Period 4
Dear Abu,
I am extremely excited about you coming to the U.S. and temporally living with me for a couple of weeks. There are many differences in our cultures which may seen very odd and different to you. During the weeks that you spend with me and my family, i will try and make things comfortable for you. I understand that in Saudi Arabia the boys and girls are usually not together but in the U.S. all of our classes and everything is coed. Also you may be used to women not being able to vote or drive but here in America, women can do those things. Also women dont cover themselves. A major difference between our cultures is that my faith is protestant and your culture has different believes then mine. However my family and I will be happy to try and learn more about your culture. I cant wait until you arrive and i will try to make you feel at home
Sincerely,
Jason Haug Period 5
p.s. you can listen to music all you want not like in Saudi Arabia!
Kelsey Hiughes
period 7
Dear Medina,
Hey! I’m Kelsey. When you come stay with me in a few weeks, you’ll find a lot of things that are common in Saudi Arabia will be radically different over here. It’ll probably be difficult to get used to. Women have a lot more rights here. If you want, you do not have to wear your niqab. You may wear whatever clothing you like. However, if you are uncomfortable about not wearing it in public, it’s perfectly fine for you to leave it on. Most people here are used to seeing people who wear them. Also, women are allowed to be out alone. If you want, you can go to the store or wherever all alone, though I would imagine you will prefer having someone with you in a strange country. Women and men have much more contact here. Most girls have at least a couple close male friends. You can hang out with me and my friends who are both girls and guys if you want to experience this, it will be less overwhelming for you in a small group, and I know that my friends will be respectful to you. If you come to school with me, I can arrange for you to be able to get out of class and to a place where you can be alone during prayer times, because I know that people will not be used to that, and also that you will probably want to be in private. I realize that these are probably all things that will be strange for you at first. If you are uncomfortable with anything, just tell me, I am glad to do whatever I can to make it more comfortable for you. And you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.
Can’t wait to meet you!
Sincerely,
Kelsey
Nadira -
I’m so excited that I will finally get to meet you. I know it will be a lot different here, what with all the cultural differences, but hopefully you will still enjoy yourself.
As you probably already know, there are a ton of cultural differences, so it might seem a bit weird at first. Here in America nothing is really segregated except for public bathrooms, and since we have freedom of religion, religion isn’t a national and strict thing like in your country. Girls and guys can talk face to face, and on the phone, they can also face book, email and text too. Girls also can drive, so we won’t have to be chauffeured all over by just men. Also all of the schools here are mixed guys and girls, unless you go to some special private one, so all of our classes will be mixed too. And my house doesn’t have two special living rooms for guys and girls, and all of restaurants, malls and other public places are also mixed.
Here in the US the dress code is completely different too. Girls and guys, no matter what age, can really wear whatever. They don’t need to be covered in special garments from head to toe like you do in Saudi Arabia. But still since it is your religion, we won’t force you to dress any one way. But I can also let you borrow some of my clothes if you want. Music is also played almost everywhere too. On my bus, in lots of stores and almost everyone is walking around listening to their iPods too. But if you feel uncomfortable with it, we won’t play it in my house. As for all the other differences, just tell me what makes you feel uncomfortable, so that we can make your stay as pleasant as possible. We can even transfer you to a private school, and make my dad and brothers stay in different parts of the house. Well I can’t wait for you to come.
Christina Geating (pd 5)
Akeelah-
I can't for you to come stay with me in America! I think you'll really love it! But keep in mind that our culture differs a lot from the one you are used to in Saudi Arabia. For instance here in Abington, the public school i attend, we don't have very strict dress code. While i know you are used to being covered in your religious garb don't be shocked when you see girls walking around in short and tank tops! As you'll come to learn in America there is equality between men and women and women have just the same rights and privileges as men. For example women can drive and most women have jobs. We also all eat together and when i go out with friends they will be boys and girls! I think you'll really enjoy our "co-ed" lifestyle. Don't be nervous, I'll show you the ropes and you won't have to anything that doesn't feel comfortable. We'll go shopping, talk and go to parties and you'll get to live like an American teenager for two weeks! I hope you're as siked as I am!
-Maureen :]
Dear Amirah,
I'm so excited for you to come to america and stay with me and my family!
The culture here in America is very different to what you are used to in Saudi Arabia. Women have many more rights here than they do there. We can drive, wear the clothes that we want, and most women have full time jobs. We can also talk to men who aren't in our family and we don't have to wear abayas when we are with them. We also go to school with them and can work with them.
The lifestyle of an average American is pretty laid back. We can mostly do what we want when we want to. We have laws, of course, but the punishment is usually a fine or time in jail. We can listen to music and talk to each other freely.
During your stay here i really hope you indulge yourself in the american culture cause it really is a great way of life. I also hope to learn more about your way of life and your culture.
Hope to see you soon,
Alex Braunschek, Period 5
Andrew Olenski
Period 5
Dear Muhammad,
It will be very different for you here in America, with our barely clothed women and low social standards. Boys may speak with girls whenever they like, and vice versa, no taboo phone calls here. Everyone in America has at one time or another challenged some form of authority, something that clearly is not a common practice in Saudi Arabia. To get you accustomed to this country, we'll listen to some American music, watch American movies, and soak up our culture. It is really easy to pick up.
Andrew
Randi Spitko
Period 5
Dear Alia,
I am so happy to hear that you will be staying with me and my family in America! There are a few major differences in how girls and guys can act towards and around eachother here, though. First, girls have much more freedom and can interact with guys freely. They have no cell phone restrictions and we do not have to wear abayas to cover our whole body. There are no restrictions on how we can act around guys. We can choose who we want to marry, and we can drive. Girls have a lot more freedom and rights here than in Saudi Arabia. You will probably take some time to get used to this. You might also find some issues that could conflict with your faith and religion. Here, in my house, we are Christians and we interact freely with the opposite sex. We eat dinner together, and can go shopping or out for the night anywhere we want. There is no seperation between men and women.
I know all of these changes could be hard to deal with when you first come here, but I will try to make you feel at home. I will try to accomodate you and find you a place to pray each time that you need to, in the direction of Mecca. If you like, you can still wear your abaya if it makes you feel more comfortable. Almost anything is accepted here, so do not worry about not fitting in or something. I can take you around the town and show you the everyday things that teenagers around our community like to do for entertainment. Girls are allowed to have Facebooks and have the classes with guys in school. We can listen to music freely, and can go to the same shopping malls. As you can see, girls have a lot more freedom and are not constricted to certain rules. I think that you will like America. I am extremely excited to see you, and to introduce you to what it is like here!
Sincerely,
Randi Spitko
Ps - when you are here, I would love for you to show me some of your Islam practices and teach me some Arabic!
Dear Humam,
We will try to make you fell at home here even though our cultures are so different. In school and pretty much any where else you go here, girls will most likley join boys in many activities. In many public places, music will play over the speaker systems of the buildings such as malls. It is also normal for teens here to have relationships with eacother. I hope you enjoy your stay in america.
Nick Gordon
Period 7
Dear Almas,
I'm glad you will be spending time with my family and me, We want you to be as comfortable as possible here. We will try our best to respect your customs, but you should also be prepared for our cultures to know what to expect. In America, people are much less conservative. Men and women are allowed to speak to each other face to face, and on the phone. If men address you, keep in mind it is a common, friendly gesture here. To get the full effect of American culture though, clothes will be provided for you. Women in America are allowed to drive, listen to music, and mingle with men, When you are around my house, you can watch TV, go on the computer, talk on the phone... many of the things you are used to in your culture. My family and I eat dinner together as a family. All stores and public places include males and females.My family and I will try to work our schedules around your prayer time, as we know this is an important part of you religion.At my school, do not be too offended if people ask you a lot of questions. Your culture is very different from ours, so people will probably very fascinated.
I hope you will enjoy your stay at my home, and learn a lot of things about the American culture!
Amy Guerra - pd.4
Derek Gallo
Period 7
Egad,
As you may have heard, you will be moving into my house in a week or two, and you will spend about a month with me. We can do fun American things like go to the mall (where there will be women. lots of women.) and we can maybe buy your sister a new cell phone from the sprint store like the new blazr (it has a built in CD player.) With her new phone she can take manly pics of herself and send them to your cousin who is to marry her. That will be funny. Don't worry, your parents won't find out. Also we can go on facebook and chat online with babes all day. Sounds fun doesn't it? i bet. Well I'll see you in a few weeks.
Much love,
Derek
Heidi Jeong-pd.7
Dear Maysoon,
I am very excited to have stay in my home. I love learning about different cultures, so you'll have to talk to me a lot about your culture.
Before you arrive here, I wanted to list the many cultural differences that you will be facing here in the United States. First off, in America, women have the freedom to talk to any male whether it be through the internet or in person. Women are also allowed to drive and vote. There is no segregation of gender in any public places. Women here are also allowed to show their faces. Those are the main cultural differences.
I know that all these cultural differences must be overwhelming to you which is why I will try to make some changes to make you feel more at home. These changes include learning how to speak Arabic and to cook Arabic foods. I will also tell my family of Islamic culture before you come here so that they won't ask any uncomfortable or rude quesitons. The only part that I can't solve is you seeing boys and talking to them. It's very inevitable since almost all our society is coed. Although you'll mingle with boys, you'll get used to it. I know you'll enjoy your stay here. I can't wait to have to girl bonding time! :D:D
Sincerely,
Heidi Jeong
Dear Muhammad,
I am so excited that you will be living with me and my family for the next few upcoming weeks. I know there are a lot of things that will be different such as there is less separation of the sexes,and members of the opposite sex are allowed to speak freely to each other, be in the same rooms, eat together, and a lot of other things that are restricted where you come from. Also where we live there is no limit on religion. Although we are not muslim we will find the direction of Mecca so you can fulfill your daily praying. Hopefully you will not mind the extreme differences that you encounter when you come to visit and will enjoy your stay in America. I can`t wait for you to arrive,
Sincerely,
Juliet Montefusco
Dear Caliana,
I cannot wait for you to come stay with me! I have been looking forward to meeting you in person. The American society is quite different from what you are used to but me and my family will help to make sure your transition is as easy as possible. For example, Everyone is allowed to have cell phones, use the internet, and talk to boys. We are not seperated by gender and we do not cover ourselves as you and the people of your culture do. I have never met anybody who marries within their family, and most people meet and fall in love on their own without arranged marriages. Women can drive in America when they turn 16, just like males. Some of these changes might be difficult for you to get used to but i am willing to do whatever you need to feel comfortable in my house and my community. My family can help you with most things, like getting you clothes and i'm sure the other things will eventually fall into place. Don't be nervous! I look forward to seeing you !
Your Friend,
Danielle Strauss
Period Seven
Nadia Korsun
Pd. 7
Dear Abu,
I can't wait for you to come to America and stay with me for the next couple weeks. I know that there are some cultural differences between America and Saudi Arabia. First of in America, men and women are considered to be equal. I know that women are not allowed to do that many things. They have to respect their husbans with everything that they do. They cannot drive there also. So it may be a shock for you to see a woman driving. Most of the people on America now have cell phones and are text messaging also. It is also very unusual for family members to be married to one another. People do not have any arranged marraiges and they can marry who they wish. Women in American also do not cover themselves. People can express what they want to wear however they want. As you can tell, there are many differences. I'm sure that you will adjust fine. I can't wait to meet/see you!
Sincerely,
Nadia Korsun
Dear Shiah,
Im looking foward to the next few weeks we will be spending together. It is my job to make you feel like you are right at home so let me know what you think when you get here. I know our two cultures are completely different in alot of ways and I hope you can get pass that. In America women are allowed many more freedoms than in the Middle East. Although Im not sure what you'll make of this, I still think you will fit in just right. In America, women are not forced to wear any religious garbs, so it is up to you to decide. Also if you want to do something like driving, it is also accepted for women to drive in the U.S.. The men and the women both eat together at the dinner table also, but Im sure you'll get used to it with no problem at all. Anyways Im looking foward to meeting you.
See you around,
Jordan Rights
Dear Yasamin,
I am so excited to have you come and stay with me in America. There are so many different things about here and in your country, but I feel that you will get a new perspective. In your country, women are not allowed to go in public without having there face covered, but here in America, most women try to reveal as much as possible. =) I’m also hoping that you learn a little bit on my faith, Methodism, as well. I want to learn about your faith, and wishing you want to do the same. Just as a heads up, men my try to say things mean to you, but don't listen to them. Men in my country do not have as much respect for women as they do in your country.
Your's truely, Michelle <3
Michelle Ratka Period 7
Nathan Sims
Period 5
Hey Achmed,
I'm glad to hear you'll be visiting this month! I am writing this letter due to the fact i just can't wait, but also to let you know of some important and obvious cultural differences between our two nations. America is loosely populated by Islamic religion, so you will not see many women or men with traditional islamic wear. Communicating with women is not forbidden. Public affection is not seen as bad. Things in America are very free- there's no limit on who you can see in your family, and no barriers between the sexes. Since the religions of the United States vary, there is no designated time for prayer. You may also listen to music and watch any movies you wish. We still have laws of course, but they are mostly there to protect against things you would never do, such as steal or hurt someone. Well i hope i've helped, and i look forward to your visit!
-Nate
Dear Ali,
I can't wait for your two week stay in America.I just wanted to inform you that me and my family have preperations to accomadate your needs concerning your beliefs in Islam.
I want to saythat we have got rid of all pork products and marked the direction of mecca in our house. We also put away our music to not offend you because it is forbidden in Saudi Arabia. I also talked to the school about praying during school hours.
I wanted to talk about some changes that you may need to get used to. My mother will drive you most of the time andshe wont cover up because we are not muslim.
If you have any questions, please respond as soon as possible. I hope to see you soon.
from Michael Zimmermann per.5
Hannah Comins
Period: 4
Dear Ihab,
I'm so excited for you to be staying with my family and me for the next couple of weeks. You will see that the social structure of our country is much different from yours. Girls and boys have lot of contact with each other. They are able to be friends, talk on the phone, hang out, and go to school together. Before a couple gets married, they date and get to know each other first. They choose their own spouse based on that. Girls and boys are not segregated at all. My family and I do not practice Islam, so we do not pray in the direction of Mecca five times a day. We will, however, make time and room for you to do so, knowing how important it is to your culture. Once again, I am very excited for you to come and stay with my family. I can;t wait until you get here!
Sicerily,
Hannah
Dear Alia,
I am so excited you are comming to stay with me and i can't wait to show you my country and learn more about yours. I understand that there are some major differences in our culture and I am trying my best to make your stay a comfortable one. I have set up a place in my room where you can pray and faced it in the direction of Mecca. At my school you are allowed to wear your garb to cover your face. While at my house you may run into cultural differences, one of the biggest differences is that men and women are not seperated. While my father is home you can cover yourself. When he leaves you can of course, if you want, take off your garb. I hope you like staying here even though there are many things in our culture that are different from yours.
Alyssa Williams prd. 5
Thomas Wilder
period 5
Abid-
my name is Thomas wilder, and you will be living at my house during your stay in America. I know that going somewhere totally new can be scary, but i promise that my family and I will do our best to make you feel at home. For example, we can find the direction of Mecca in our house so you will know where to pray every day, and we can cook traditional meals that you are used to back home.
As you probably already know, there are a few major differences between Muslim and American culture, for example, here it is not forbidden for men and women to be seen together, and the schools are not segrigated by gender. For these reasons you may feel more compfortable staying at home most of the time.
P.S., i was interested to find out that your name means worshiper or adorer
Dear Fahd,
I must say that I am very ecsatic to find that you will be coming to live with my family here in a America. But I am also aware of the great cultural differences between us. You must be very use to the fact that women cover their faces when in public. Here in the US we dont do that, so don't let that come as a surprise. Also i understand that you have religious rituals that you perform, and i will willingly allow, and respect, you to fufill your religious duties. Just give America some time and you will find that this is a great place to live, a melting pot of all different countries.
From,
Joe Cirigliano pd7
Dear Abdul Ghafur,
Servant of the Forgiving)
My name is John, I am 16 and I live at home with my family. I am a sophomore at Abington high school. I have learned a bit about your culture and religion in school. I think that when you come hear you will not have a hard time getting settled. There are many segregated boys and girls schools here that you may attend. I myself have relatives who go to sexually segregated schools. There are a lot of mosques here. I think you should be able to find one not far from your new home. You probably know that our government separates church from state. So, you’ll be able to worship freely and pray in public. We can also help you find which direction Mecca is located in so that you may pray properly. When you stay here we can divide up the bathrooms, cars and eating areas for men and women. Women here may have a hard time finding a designated driver, but there is a lot of public transportation. Everyone here is treated and respected as an individual. Men and women have the same rights, privileges, laws that are applied to them. For instance, a woman’s word is held in the same respect as a man’s word in court men and women can vote. I hope you are happy with what you find here and that we will meet soon.
-From, John Files Period 4
Dear Altair Ibn La-Ahad,
I am very excited and a little nervous about your visit. You will find things here to be extremely different here. For starters, there is very little segregation between the sexes. You will constantly come into contact with girls, which will probably make you uncomfortable. But it's quite normal here. They also do not cover themselves head-to-toe like they do in your country. It is normal to talk to them, contact them via cell phones and the Internet, and even date them.
Our country also has more recreational establishments like movie theaters, bowling alleys, etc. Unfortunately, the downside is that Americans have no honor. Here, most people are honorless, shameless scum who detest all that is good and right. But I'm not like that, so you're good. We also listen to music here. I think you will like my preferred music very much.
My family and I will do our utmost to respect your beliefs and customs while making you as comfortable here as possible.
Sincerely,
Brady Knight, period 7
Niki Fedorowicz
Period 7
Dear Aisha,
There are many things in America that are very different in Saudi Arabia. Laws, rules, and the overall culture is very different in your country. In America we do not have to wear certain clothes. I know that in your country your not allowed to drive, or to be with males that arent relatives. I hope you do not feel too uncomfortable, for my family eats together in one room and I go to school with girls and boys. Also, women can drive here. I know that you most likely have a cell phone or computer. Most teenagers here have cell phones, so with that you should fit right in! I cant wait until your visit. See you soon!
-Niki
Kyle Lee Period 7
Dear Aasia
I guess you'll be living with us for a while. There are a lot of cultural differences from where you live and here. But you don't really need to worry too much about it you'll pick it up pretty fast. You don't need to bring a lot of your black abaya's since you aren't required to wear those here. Oh and feel free to explore as much as you want wwhen ever you want since you aren't required to have a man with you when you go out side. Don't worry about our religions clashing our families pretty open minded about that stuff we've even tried to figure out the direction of mecca for when you pray it might not be exact but we hope you'll find it somewhat useful. You'll do just fine in this country we wish you a safe trip and ope to see you here soon.
From
Kyle Lee the Super Awesome Asian Tiger
Dear Alia,
I hope you are excited to come live with my family and me! We are excited to have you stay. Things here are a lot different than you are used to, but I think you might enjoy the change. Our religions and cultural values are different but I believe that our wants and needs as teenage girls are the same. You are welcome to wear your veil as you feel comfortable, and I don't believe anyone will look twice because some people in America wear them. Maybe you can teach me how to wear one too! I will show you all of the things that we do here on a regular basis. I think you will find it is a lot different than your home because me and my mom are always out and about doing errands and doing fun things such as shopping, or seeing movies. I think you will find that you have a lot more freedom here. For example we are allowed to talk to boys, and have Facebooks, and listening to music with instruments is a part of my daily life. In order to prepare for your visit I will learn a little more about your culture to be sure I do not offend you in any way when you arrive. Hopefully when you get here you can teach me some things from your culture and I can teach you some from mine. Can't wait to see you!
Sincerely,
Emily Geliebter
Period 5
Sean Lawrence
Pd 7
Dear Fahim,
I cannot wait for you to come to my house in America for you foreign exchange program. I realize that you could of chosen plenty of other american students to live with, and I am happy you chose me. You are probably little anxious because of you are of Muslim faith, however rest assured, my family is a non-religous family. As a result, you will not have to worry about your religion conflicting with my family's way of life. One thing that I am a little worried about however is the women here. I understand that the women in Saudi Arabia are very conservative, and are mostly taken care of by the men. Here in America though, women take care of themselves. Don't be scared when you see women alone without a man, it's normal here. If you have any questions dont be afraid to write to me. I am so pumped, you are going to have a lot of fun here in America!
Sincerely,
Very Excited Host
nik jarkowsky period 7
yo whats up ali!
this is nik, your american exchge friend! im so glad to hear that you are coming here to visit!ibet your pretty excited for the cultural differences here. for example, you will get to see girls and talk to them, so you know what your getting into before you get married. plus you can call them if you want, you dnt have to be a creeper and follow women around trying to get their number. also schools here arent segregated, so you will see tons of girls every day in school.
man i bet your siked, i cant wait to see you bro,
from NIK
Dear Fatima,
I'm Phalon Thornhill and you will be staying at my house during your stay in America. I'm sure you will like it here. America is the place of freedom. We have religios freedom, freedom of speech, freedom of press, and many others including almost all forms of self expression. If you choose to wear your abaya that is completley up to you. If you don't that's fine to. Be prepared to see women everywhere! In cars, at work, in parks, at schools. America is mostly integrated. I go to school with males and females, I have art classes with males and females I eat lunch with males and females. My classes and stores and malls are integrated too. Of course that doesn't mean we are not civilized, we are. With great freedom comes great responsibility. America prides itself in it's schools, religous freedom and self expression, but we have certain laws and restrictions too. Have fun in America the land of the free!
-Phalon Thornhill
Period 5
Dear Kalila,
First off, I am so excited to know that you will be living with me here in America. You are going to love it eventhough it is much different than what you are used to im sure. I will try my best to make you comfortable. Things might feel a little different because men and women are allowed to socialize on a daily basis. Even most of my friends are guys. Also my family is not split up into different parts of the house. We all share the same parts of the house.
I also have a facebook but here you are allowed to be friends with anyone you want. You can comment on anyones picture or wall anytime you would like. I know that you pray five times a day and i respect that. My family does not mind if you do that here. We want you to feel as comfortable as you can. I can not wait until you come here to America. We are going to have so much fun. See you soon!
Sincerely,
Taylor Lentz period 7
The name Farah means happy in Islam according to http://www.milligazette.com/misl/muslim_islam_islamic_baby_names_girl_boy_name.htm
Dear Farah,
I can't wait until your arrival in the United States. I know you are just excited as I am because you always taqlk about it on your facebook. Also i would love for you to have a good time so we found the direction of Mecca and went to buy a mat so you can pray. Also i tried to make some Islamic dishes so you don't feel to out of place eating our food. There may be some things you should know though. I go to public school with boys and girls and there is not allowed any religious garb in school. Also we only have one door, and my family (boys and girls) are always together. Anotherr thingis that i am christian and go to church and read devotions/ the bible every night. But we'll try to make you feel comfortable. I can't wait until you get here. Keep in touch through facebook. Have a safe trip over here.
Sincerely,
Wesley Rines
Per.5
S
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