With the a new school year, Robinson has welcomed many new students from countries around the world. Some are here for military reasons, others for foreign exchange programs and they’ve all had to experience acquainting to American culture and Robinson itself. The Knight writers staff spoke with three foreign students, Tom Weston (’27), Antoine Gau (’25) and Mario Caballero (’25).
Q: Why did you move to America?
TW: I moved to America [from Spain] because of a military job that my father was given and accepted.
AG: I moved to America [from North of France] because my dad works on the base. He’s in the military.
MC: I moved because my dad is in the military, and he has to work here for a few months.
Q: Is Florida the first place you moved when you came to America?
TW: Florida was the first place I moved and will most likely be the only place I will stay.
AG: Yes, it’s my first time.
MC: Yes, Florida is my first place in the US.
Q: How long do you plan on staying?
TW: For 2-3 years minimum but depending on what I want to pursue as a career I may just end up staying in America.
AG: I will stay in the United States for three years.
MC: I have to stay until January because that’ll be the end of my experience here.
Q: How has your transition been?
TW: With being in a military family I am very used to changing and adapting to different places, so the transition has been very easy.
AG: At the beginning, my transition was complicated because I didn’t understand English well, but later when I started to understand English well, my transition [was pretty smooth]. I am able to make friends and the teachers helped me a lot to integrate.
MC: I thought the transition was going to be difficult because of the language, but it was really easy. I met another foreign guy the first day [Antoine] and we adapted together.
Q: Have you adjusted? Made a lot of new friends?
TW: I would say I have adjusted; the heat was a bit surprising at first, but I got used to it pretty quickly. I’ve met a lot of people, but I would say I have a few close friends which I’m happy with.
AG: Yeah, I’ve made a lot of friends.
MC: I have adjusted very easily and I’ve made a lot of new friends, it’s going to be so difficult returning back to Spain because I don’t want to lose their friendships.
Q: Has Robinson been welcoming?
TW: I mean, Robinson has been pretty welcoming I would say, not much is really different, all the people still treat me the same. I just get the occasional teasing for my accent which I always find funny, so that’s no problem at all.
AG: [The people at] Robinson are very welcoming and are always there if I have a small problem or question; it’s a very good school.
MC: Yes, I think that [the welcoming environment] is one of the best things [about Robinson]. People don’t care about my race or my culture and they make me comfortable.
