From the Old World to the New--Austria

Sarah Schneider did not burst into a German version of “America,” but she came close. When asked why she chose to spend a year of high school on exchange in America, Schneider looked puzzled. “Because it’s America,” said Schneider, a native of Austria who grew up in Vienna. “Because everyone wants to go to America.”

Schneider loves Austria, too—there is very little poverty, and there is a feeling of safety in the small but distinctive nation. She said that these qualities are important; a government ought to “take care of all the people.” People should have a home, she said, and should not have to be hungry while politicians look out for themselves.

 Growing up in Vienna, Schneider enjoyed the cultural sites, although she lamented the lack of opportunities for sports that she enjoys, perhaps over-abundantly, in the rural high school in Arizona.

Education is important to Schneider. At age 16, she considers it to be her job. She wants people to know that, “I work so they don’t think that I’m lazy or something,” she said.

At the same time, Schneider feels she has “two home countries.” Much of her extended family lives in the Czech Republic. She has visited them often, and said that in Europe there is no reason not to travel internationally. Schneider said she loves being in airports. “Travelling is one of my favorite hobbies,” she said. “You can never see enough.”