When Valentin Hanslik landed in America, he didn’t expect New Orleans to be so… New Orleans. Descending the escalator in full Lederhosen, he was immediately greeted by the airport jazz band and dinner at Mandina’s. “I did not expect the city to be like it is. I thought it would be a regular town in America,” he reflects close to 7 months later, “but it’s a beautiful city. The people are open, they’re nice, they want to help you.” This was a stark contrast to his hometown of Zurich, he says. “If you ever want to visit Zurich, it’s a beautiful city, but the people in Zurich are just cold.” That being said, he had plenty to miss about his home: “I’m kind of missing the mountains. It’s a bit flat here, and of course, I miss my dog and my family.”

While the New Orleans terrain may have been flat, Valentin’s Newman experience was far from it: “The first party when I got here was great; I think I will always remember that.” Beyond that, American schools offer more activities than he was used to in Switzerland. “We don’t have clubs in Zurich, and I learned new things in the Jewish Cultures Club. That was fun!”

Where they might have us beat, though, is on efficiency. “The only similar thing about our cities is that we have street cars. It was an interesting experience, how you handle the snow. I was surprised that schools could be closed for snow. I’ve never had this before.” But despite the dysfunction, when I asked Valentin if he would consider returning, he said, “Yes, definitely. I don’t even have to think about this question.”