Q: What is different about living in the United States?

Eunji: School rules in Korea are a lot stricter than here. In Korea, we cannot have pierced ears or noses. We cannot have long hair or even colored hair clips.

Hewan: American families do not seem that close-knit. However, Ethiopian families are. Unlike American families, we share our food from one big plate. The entire family sits around the table. Then we all eat out of one dish.

Liban: In Somalia, there is no bus transportation. Everyone walks. People have cars, but everyone is close by. The store is next door. Your uncle is next door.

Adib: My mom says she noticed that in the U.S. you do not have as many relatives living with you as we do in Iraq and Lebanon.

Another thing that is different is school. There are more classes in school in Iraq and Lebanon.

Also, children and teens have to be more polite than American kids are to adults. When you talk to your teacher or when you are called on in class, students must first stand. Then you can ask or respond to a question.