Interview - Darlington School

Interview -Darlington School

Tobias Von Bergen, from Germany, studying at the Darlington School, in Georgia.

Why did you decide to attend boarding school in the U.S.A.?

I had friends who decided to study abroad before me and they just had the most wonderful time in the United States. I myself also always wanted to get to know different cultures and places. America just offered me exactly what I was looking for.

How did you choose your school?

My final decision for Darlington was based on its studious atmosphere, excellent reputation and broad range of courses offered. Darlington is also only a little over an hour away from Atlanta so even when I do miss a more urban atmosphere (being from Cologne), it is right there.

What do you like best?

I enjoy going to school, day by day. The way the teachers interact with the students and the competitive but supportive class structure clearly enhanced my way of learning.

What do you miss most?

Home is a very special place and always will be, but by going out of my comfort-zone and making new experiences I learned to value different things. And it is not that home has vanished out of my life, it is really only 10 hours away by plane.

How has your English improved?

This is my second year at Darlington and of course my English has greatly improved. Now I would consider myself as being perfectly bilingual. The program has helped me greatly in my ambitions to attend college in the United States. Now I am fluent in English, accustomed to the educational system and probably most important, integrated into the society.

What was your biggest surprise?

The biggest surprise for me is that the teacher becomes a friend. In Germany I thought of my teachers more like “this authority at the other end of the room.” Here I order pizza with them and spent some quality time.

How have you handled:
...Language differences?

Initially it can be difficult to understand everything, but after a month at the latest you will be more than just conversational anyways, promise!

...Adjusting to a different educational system?

All I had to adjust to were friendly, very knowledgeable and very supportive teachers that paid way more attention to what I said and felt than I was used to, and an excellent individualized curriculum that pushed me ahead in my interests.

What are your activities?

I participate in the student government body, varsity tennis team, German Club, Science Club, and other smaller organizations that all give me the opportunity to get to know people of the same interests.

What will you remember most?

Certainly the vast majority of my experiences will be most memorable, but it has been my friends that made this adventure the most pleasurable, entertaining and advancing experience I have ever had.