Our Interviewees

Siyathemba came from Durban, South Africa. He left country because of financial reasons, education and expanding his knowledge on hospitality. He had a job lined up for him here in USA; this is why he chose to come here. Since Siyathemba came, his living conditions have improved. He has kept in touch with his family and friends and encourages others to come to the United States. Siyathemba enjoys the United States, but sometimes feels the urge to go back to his country due to being homesick.

Richard Berry came from Durban, South Africa to America when he was 22 years old. He left because of personal, social reasons, job opportunities, and he wanted to experience an American life style. He chose to come to America because of an international work program. While here in America, he has continued his education in college. Richard said that his lifestyle has improved, but he is still uncertain about returning to South Africa. Some reasons for returning to South Africa are homesickness, desiring to help people in his homeland, and wanting to reunite with his family and friends. While here in America, he has encountered isolation, rejection, and culture shock. He left behind most South Africa traditions and culture and has adopted USA traditions. He would be supportive of family and friends coming to the USA.

Su-Mari is a 20-year old female from Pretoria, South Africa. She came to the US because of a one-year job opportunity as a Savannah guide. She experienced many difficulties when she came to America including language, culture shock and loneliness. In the beginning, she was very frustrated, but now she says, "I just take everyday as it comes and try to stay positive." Telephone and email help to ease the loneliness. She now encourages other people from her homeland to come and join her in the USA.

Michael Zwikker is a South African who came to America to work at Disney World. He told us his experiences as he immigrated here and how he was treated. Michael explained to us that he has adapted to life here, and also has adopted some of the American traditions. He says since coming here, his life is happier. Although he is far from home, he says his relationships with family and friends in South Africa haven't suffered.

Pastor Craig Breimhorst went on an exchange trip to Africa last year. When he arrived in a remote village, he noticed the presence of poverty. Witnessing children in poverty was a sad sight. Some children are poor due to the lost of parents to AIDS. He also found African cultures and lifestyles different and interesting.
Craig taught us some African words:
Habri Za Asubuhi = How is the news this morning?
Shikamu = Hello
Car-ete-bu = Welcome
A Sante'Sana = Thank you very much.

Hugette and Hamida are students in our school who have come from Africa. They agreed to talk with us about what it's like to emigrate from another country. Both report that their families came to America for education and a safe place to live. Both report that, though most students treat them well, sometimes they face rude comments and stares. Both Hugette and Hamida would like to return to Africa someday. Hugette is 16 years old and from Congo, and Hamida is 18 years old from Somalia. Hugette has a job at McDonalds, and Hamida will begin at Minnesota State University soon.