Interview with International Students! What Do They Love About Their Countries?

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In this blog, I interviewed international students and asked them to tell us what they like about their home countries. Since we international students come from many countries, and it is difficult to introduce the best of all countries at once, I interviewed international students from European countries! I would be happy if I could share with you the love of their home countries!

Fernanda from Victoria-Gasteiz Spain

Fernanda (From Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain)

 

Spain Sight seeing on a sunny day with buildings by the river

Q1. What sightseeing spots should we definitely visit? 

“El Casco Viejo” is a small part of the town that has remained the way it was since the medieval era and is definitely worth a visit, as well as “La plaza de España,” where you will always find people or some activity going on.

Tapas from Spain presented on a plate

Q2. Tell us about your delicious cuisine! 

A big part of Spain is the little bars everywhere, where you can come in and enjoy traditional “Tapas” or some “tortilla de patatá”

souvenier items of Spanish culture including: dancers, goods, art, buildings, and site seeing locations

Q3. What souvenirs should we buy? 

Souvenirs can be found in so many little shops around town and can vary from sweet treats to cute artisan magnets and useful tools.

A group of women in white and blue school uniform walking down the streets cheering and smiling

Q4. What are some interesting cultures and customs in your country?

We have many holidays like “El Olentzero” where many dress up in the traditional “Neskas y Nelskos” attire, and we dance on the streets.

Celina headshot image wearing a white shirt on a sunny day

Celina (From Parchim, Germany)

Castle in Germany located in the hills with blue skies, clear rolling hills, a rive, and a brick castle like building in the middle

Q1. What sightseeing spots should we definitely visit? 

I recommend visiting the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, a symbol of German unity, and the Berlin Wall memorial. For nature lovers, the Black Forest offers beautiful woods and hiking trails. In northern Germany, enjoy the coastal landscapes of the North and Baltic Seas. Lastly, Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria is a must-see fairy-tale landmark.

Germany cuisine image

Q2. Tell us about your delicious cuisine! 

German cuisine is known for its hearty dishes, regional specialties, and strong culinary traditions. It often features meat, potatoes, bread, and seasonal vegetables. Popular dishes include „Bratwurst“ (grilled sausage), „Sauerbraten“ (marinated roast beef), and „Schnitzel“ (breaded meat cutlet). For dessert, traditional sweets like Black Forest cake („Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte“) and apple strudel are loved across the country. And, of course, German cuisine wouldn’t be complete without its world-famous beer, often enjoyed at festivals such as Oktoberfest. Nuremberg gingerbread is also a traditional German Christmas treat made with nuts, honey, and spices

Germany Souvenier, Beer Steins. Decorated mugs made of ceramic or glass and symbolize Germany’s famous beer culture

Q3. What souvenirs should we buy? 

A great choice for souvenirs would be beer steins („Bierkrüge“), which are beautifully decorated mugs made of ceramic or glass and symbolize Germany’s famous beer culture. Another sweet and classic souvenir is Haribo gummy bears, as they were invented in Germany and are loved by people of all ages. For local products, visit a local market to buy delicious honey, jam, sausages, or pickles in a jar, to take a bit of German flavor home with you. Overall, in most bigger cities in Germany, you can find souvenir shops with lots of stuff with the local landmarks on it, like shirts, caps, shot glasses, and so on, with the Berlin Television Tower.

Oktoberfest in Bavaria, where people wear traditional clothing, „Lederhosen“ for men and „Dirndls“ for women, and enjoy German beer, music, and regional food like „Weißwurst“ (Bavarian veal sausage) and „Brezen“ (large soft pretzels).

Q4. What are some interesting cultures and customs in your country?

One well-known custom is the celebration of Oktoberfest in Bavaria, where people wear traditional clothing, „Lederhosen“ for men and „Dirndls“ for women, and enjoy German beer, music, and regional food like „Weißwurst“ (Bavarian veal sausage) and „Brezen“ (large soft pretzels). The position of the bow on a Dirndl’s apron traditionally indicates a woman’s relationship status: on the left means single, on the right means married or taken, in the middle means a virgin, and at the back means widowed. In many regions, Christmas is celebrated with Christmas markets, homemade decorations, and Advent traditions like an Advent calendar. Another important custom is „Osterfeuer“ (Easter fire), where large bonfires are lit to celebrate the arrival of spring and to chase away the winter spirits.

In this blog, I introduced Spain and Germany. I hope I have shown the love for their home countries well, and if you ever have a chance to visit Spain and Germany, please refer to this blog. I will continue to interview international students from all over the world, so please look forward to it! Thank you for reading to the end!

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The office is open for students and visitors Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and Fridays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Pacific Standard Time (UTC-8:00). Office hours during the breaks may differ, and the campus is closed on Fridays during the Summer session.

International Programs Office

  Alan Thompson Library (LIB) 110
  (360) 442-2310
  international@lowercolumbia.edu

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