By TYLER MUSE

Dominik Pintarić, originally from Jastrebarsko, Croatia, spent his first time in America at BAHS as one of our foreign exchange students from July 2017 to July 2018.

America was a real “cultural shock” for Dominik, especially since the American lifestyle is more restrained than it is in Croatia. People interact more and go out to a coffee shop in town for hours with friends in Croatia, where here in America he did not see that.

“Croatia and the U.S. are two very different countries. I think that parents in Croatia are less strict and more laid back and open-minded. For example, at one point during my year in the U.S., I wasn’t allowed to do anything on my own, hang out with friends without supervision, or even be picked up from school by my friends.”

He even reflected on the legal drinking age being 18 in Croatia.

“We drink alcohol more often and it’s available everywhere… it’s not a taboo. Also, there’s no such thing as tipping waiters and that was very confusing to me when I first got to the U.S.,” he said.

However, being back in Croatia has caused Dominik to miss things like fast food chains and all of the major cities. His favorite cities here are New York City, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, which he is very grateful he got to experience. He also really loved being a part of the high school’s Drama Club.

“I loved seeing New York, Los Angeles, Vegas and all the cities I have always wanted to see. I enjoyed simple things like having Spotify and going shopping at Macy’s. I also liked the convenience of Sheetz and how it is a gas station and a fast food place at the same time.”

There are major differences in education between the countries too. The amount of classes he takes in Croatia is a dramatic increase than what he took here. In Croatian education, there is no such thing as midterms and finals, which Dominik is thankful for.

“Education is very different in Croatia. For example, I have about 17 classes I have to take each year of high school. I don’t have all of them every day, they are spread throughout a week. Along with the regular tests, we also have oral exams that take place regularly. Tests in Croatia don’t consist of multiple choice and ‘fill in the blank’ questions like they do here. Most of the questions ask you to define something and explain it in a couple sentences.”

When it comes to choosing which education is better, he prefers the American education system better.

“I think it’s more laid back and I like how teachers take time to go through a unit rather than rushing through it. I also loved study guides, which we never get in Croatia.”

Dominik struggled when it was time for him to go back home. He was excited to see his friends and family, but he didn’t want to leave his new friends and family. He wasn’t ready to leave Taco Bell and the Olive Garden either.

Dominik wishes to give his past teachers another farewell. He does have some words to say to his past teachers here at BAHS.

“I want to give a huge shoutout to my favorite teacher, Mrs. Walter. I just loved the atmosphere in her class and I really enjoyed being in it and how nice and chill she always was. I also want to thank Miss Richardson, Mr. Myers, Ms. Seitz, Mrs. Eddinger, Mr. Trumbull, Mr. Brinser and Mr. Fitz, who helped me a lot throughout my year at BAHS. I miss all of you and wish I was still in your classes.”