EXCHANGES Southern drawls and sophisticated manners in Tennessee
Three Year 12 College boys had their preconceptions about the southern United States blown out of the water when they attended Montgomery Bell Academy in Tennessee in April.
Finn Brokenshire, Ollie Brakenridge and Sebastian Fergusson found that their assumptions about Nashville and everything “southern” were far off the mark when they were hosted for just over four weeks by generous families whose sons attend MBA. “It was all quite different from what we had expected,” says Finn. “What we found was a dynamic southern city, diverse, welcoming and friendly,” says Sebastian. “We learnt such a lot, and we realised how laid back and relaxed we are as New Zealanders. There was a lot more formality, especially in the way they addressed people,” says Ollie. He and Finn were hosted by the same family, who opened their home and gave the boys as many memorable experiences at possible. Sebastian was with another family and his experiences were equally exciting. “All of us applied to go to Montgomery Bell as a way of taking a look at the USA with the thought that we might want to go and study there at university level.
“What we found is that the US is big! The trip opened my eyes to the south, and not just to the explosion of the myth of the stereotypical southerner, but also to the fact that there are so many very different areas within the country.” Both surfers in New Zealand, Sebastian and Finn rapidly got used to playing basketball in the driveway at home, rather than heading for the coast. That was after their host brothers had completed at least two hours of homework.
“The school system at Montgomery Bell is different from College, with classes taught in more of a lecture style, and then big homework loads,” says Ollie. “They’re very focused on their Grade Point Averages and every assignment and test counts.” The boys started the day with breakfast at school, then attending a variety of senior college classes. American history was compulsory and they were intrigued by the interpretations.
Christ’s College Canterbury
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