During German foreign exchange student Timo Knuth’s year in America, he has learned and experienced a lot, especially in regards to America’s athletic culture. Knuth was a part of the varsity football, varsity baseball and the swim team.
“In baseball he has improved a lot. He learned how to throw a ball and swing a baseball bat with very little time,” baseball teammate and junior Caden Bitely said.
Knuth has spent a lot of time doing sports and extracurricular activities.
“Timo [Knuth] is a fast learner, not just in baseball and football, but how we do everything here. He’s adapted quick[ly],” said football and baseball teammate junior Wayne Topp.
Knuth was blown away with the environment during football games.
“ It [football] was definitely a crazy experience because of the student section and the amount of people being there,” Knuth said.
According to Knuth, there aren’t school sports teams in Germany, only club and travel teams. With club sports, there are no student sections or very many people that go out to the games, so it was a big culture shock for him seeing how many people came out to the games every Friday night.
“I’ve only had that many people in Germany come to my handball team’s tournament once, and it was the biggest youth handball tournament,” Knuth said. “There were a ton of teams and friends, and it was crazy, but it was only once.”
Being that Knuth is from a different country with a different culture, he has noticed plenty of differences in the two countries’ school systems.
“Classes are made up of participation and lectures, whereas in America, students have assignments and projects to do,” Knuth said.
In Germany, school is mostly based on participation.
“The teaching is not so much different from Germany, but the difference is in grading,” Knuth said.
Knuth will miss Northview’s school spirit because there aren’t school sports or activities to go to, but he is excited to go back home.
“I can’t wait to see my friends and family back in Germany,” Knuth said.
