AP Euro students received a unique lecture during seventh hour on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Italian exchange student Giulia Putti and French exchange student Eloise Rech gave the class a look into what education is like in their home countries, including how the French Revolution is taught.

Dennis Cox, the class’ instructor, values exposure to cultures in other countries.

“I think culture is an invaluable lesson,” Cox said. “That’s one of the reasons I enjoy traveling and taking students to Europe, for them to see the other cultures of the world and to see how history evolved there.”

Putti was thrilled to have the opportunity to share about her own learning experiences.

“I think it’s the best thing ever to learn [about other cultures],” Putti said. “I think that you don’t learn only by studying books, but you learn by talking to people. So I really liked this.”

The exchange students agreed that studying  in American schools is less challenging than European ones. In both Italy and France, admission into college all depends on one difficult test, on top of daily oral and written exams in class. Additionally, sleeping or phone use during class could result in suspension.

Cox is surprised by the rigor of European schools.

“The thing that amazed me is when they shared about their schooling and the demand on their education versus the demand in America,” Cox said. “Theirs is a lot more demanding.”

Putti noted that she learned in elementary school the material currently being taught in Northwest’s Spanish four course. Nonetheless, living in the United States has been a learning experience for her.

“I learned how people have different attitudes, and people’s tradition, their culture and how to be a member of a family,” Putti said. “It’s completely different. It’s interesting to see how people relate to each other.”

Senior Holly Brown says that hearing from the exchange students was a learning experience for her as well.

“I gained a new perspective on how they learn in Italy and France,” Brown said. “It helps me have a more widespread understanding about what’s going on around the world and not just in the United States.”

Putti is looking forward to giving a new perspective to another class besides Cox’s.

“I’m very excited because now the teacher of government asked me if I can do a presentation about Italy,” Putti said. “I get to talk about my country. I’m very happy when someone asks me for my opinion.”