Thyre Trapp and Sarita Edwards are both from Belize and are currently English graduate students at ECU.  TCR interviewed them both to see what their impressions were of this past year.

TCR:  Why did you decide to study in the U.S.?

Sarita:  Well, there was no masterís program in Belize, and even if there had been, it would not have been well-established, or have the resources we have in the U.S. ECU is affiliated with the University of Belize.  Belize has a summer program for exchange students, and ECU offers a program for Belizean students to study here.  Thyre studied here for a fall semester, and she told me about it when she returned.

Thyre:  In the fall of 2000, I was intrigued with the exchange program that exists between the University of Belize and ECU; therefore, I decided to accept this challenge and see what an American university is all about.  While I was here for a fall semester, I enjoyed myself and was very successful academically; thus, I made up my mind to follow through and obtain my masterís degree here at ECU.

TCR:  Has living and going to school here been a positive experience so far?

Thyre:  I must admit that I enjoy living here Ö it reminds me so much of home.  The only difference is the culture.  I have met many people and have learned so much about the Southern culture, which I find very fascinating and unique.  (I am a linguistics major, so I am excited about new languages and dialects.)

Sarita:  Attending school here has afforded me a variety of learning experiences.  Through interacting with various individuals, I learned more about the culture and the people of North Carolina.  I was also provided the great opportunity to work with the Youth Ministry at Faith and Victory Church here in Greenville.

TCR:  What are some differences in ideas (in general) that you see between the two countries?

Thyre:  Here in America, people do not walkóit seems as though they have forgotten how to do soónah, thatís not fair to say.  It is probably because of the infrastructure of the country that forces people to drive everywhere.  This upsets me because you need a car for everything, while at home, we walk almost everywhere we go.

Sarita:  The standard of living in the U.S. as compared to Belize is a significant difference.  The average American standard of living would be equivalent to a middle-high standard of living in Belize. Another major difference is the racial tension that exists here between blacks and whites.  In Belize, we are very diverse in culture and more open-minded and accepting of cultural differences.

TCR:  What are some educational differences?

Thyre:  Of course, America provides every means necessary for students to continue with their educationóso many scholarships and financial aid and so onóso there is no excuse for a person to not advance him or herself.  Whereas, it is only the privileged ones in Belize that can obtain such a luxury after the elementary level.  Here, all the resources for a successful education are accessible; while at home, we are not that fortunate yet (perhaps in the near future).

Sarita:  At ECU, most students don't seem to be as serious about school -- partying, etc. Where Iím from in Belize, students really value education and work hard to succeed.  Iíve also noticed a lack of basic geographical knowledge in students here. In America, there are a lot more resources (computers, etc.). In Belize, our university is very smallóthe computers arenít always functioning, since we only have one server.  These resources are sometimes taken for granted here.

TCR:  What do you miss most about Belize?

Sarita:  My family and friends.  The weatheróitís always warmóhere, it fluctuates too much.  I really like nature, and in Belize, we can park the car at the sea.  Thereís lots of water where I live in Belizeóbeautiful rivers, keys, and waterfalls. You can also visit the Mayan ruins. The attitude back home is more laid-back, relaxed.  After school, we might just jump in a boat and go to the keys.  Sometimes, when the weatherís bad here, I feel trapped.  I miss the foodóthe fish here is not the same.  When we go home, we always bring back fish thatís frozen and carefully wrapped up.  Also, in Belize the culture is warmeróthe people are not as distant as here.  When you need to borrow something, you donít have to hesitate to ask your neighbor. Itís a much warmer, more communal societyóeveryone knows everyone else.  Here, itís more of an individualistic society.

Thyre:  I miss my family first and foremost.  After them, I miss my friends, the food, and the weather.

TCR:  What do you like most about the U.S.?

Thyre:  The many opportunities that are availableójobs, education, the economy.

Sarita:  I enjoy the variety of shopping venues.  The service here makes life very convenient to the consumer.

TCR:  Least?

Thyre:  The expensive prices for groceries, utilities, and rent.  I thought America was a cheap country, but I am very mistaken!

TCR:  Do you get to go home this summer??

Thyre:  Yes!!!!!

Sarita:  Yes!!!!!