Marie Růžičková

Questionnaire

What was your host family’s name? Any host brothers or sisters?

I was staying with the Insalaco’s. My host mum Michelene was a lawyer in SF and I had two host siblings. For the first time I got to experience being the oldest one as both of them were younger. Cole was one grade below me at Miramonte and Lila was 14 years old.

What classes did you take? Did you participate in any sport throughout your stay?

I changed my schedule during the first month of the semester so I took a numerous classes. Of course the obligatory ones -English and US History. Then I took Art, Drama, French, Public Speaking and Yoga. At the beginning I went to a couple of lessons in Global studies and Computer science. I’m not a sporty person so I didn’t participate in any sports at school however I took lessons in local dance studio.

What did you like the most? What places did you see?

With my family I visited beautiful American nature - Lake Tahoe, Yosemite Valley, Oregon and a few places in the Bay Area. I love mountains and nature, but I probably enjoyed the cities more as I got to see their diversity. I visited San Francisco many times, then Berkeley and on my way home I spend a few days in Washington DC, Boston and New York. I probably liked SF the most, because I had enough time to get to know the city and visit all the different neighborhoods.

Was there anything you did not like?

Sometimes it was hard for me to understand the American values that are different from the European ones (or at least mine).

Any advice for the upcoming student? Would you recommend something?

We have this idea that Europe and America share the “western culture”. Even though we have something in common it’s more different than you would think. And two practical tips - ride a bike if it’s possible (Orinda is hilly, but it gives you freedom and you don’t have to rely on local public transport) and take Drama (you get to know many people and learn to use English language in performing).

Do you have any funny story you would like to share?

I started our home alarm a couple times because I like to sleep with an open window and it lead straight to the entrance terrace. I was quite terrified when it happened for the first time :)