American David Whitlock teaches English at the University of Verham and the University of Rezekne

In September, a 22-year-old American David Whitlock from Seattle was added to the Rēzekne Higher School (RA). As part of the Fulbright International Exchange Programme funded BY THE US government, the young Rēzekne will spend 10 months. In these months, David will read English courses at various levels, both AT THE UNIVERSITY of Economics and Management Faculty, the students of education and design faculty, as well as the 8 th and 9 th grade students at the University of Verham and the National Poles of Rezekne, while THE STAFF OF THE RA and the municipality of Rezekne will be guided by the English-speaking club.

David Latvia was interested in his difference from Seattle – a city that includes enormous diversity in culture, music, food, people and many other areas. For Latvia David has his own opinion and views: “I am pleased that many ancient traditions are being maintained in Latvia. I also like the fact that people are true in Latvia. They talk exactly what they think. Honesty of respect. It is pleasant to feel hospitality and warm reception.“ I've felt it almost from all the people i'm faced with. ”
David has noticed that the people of Rezekne are accustomed to foreigners. There is a negative attitude in America if you notice that you are not local. In Rēzekne David had favorite a kebabian “Auscara kebabs.” You can see other foreigners there and create new contacts. David has also worked as a pond in this cab. Of course, there is a need for a limited degree of diversity in Seattle: food, cafes, entertainment, etc., but here, in Rēzekne, this option is less. But David is pleased that he meets the same people very often. In America, even in high school spaces, they could not meet their friends because there was a very large mass of people.
David admired the pupils' respect for the teacher. He had never encountered the fact that the pupils were getting up when the teacher came into the room. David had been shocked at the first time. The students were more unconscious. In America, everything is very strict, but there is a feeling that there is a free visit and homework does not apply to everyone, but students are clever and interested. David is delighted that even older teachers call him “you”. It is pleasant to feel dignity.
When asked about whether he felt a cultural shock when he came to us, David found that everything had already been ready and did not surprise him, just a little surprised by the people's views on Russian: “people believe that i understand the Russian language.” In fact, i know only “Привет”, “Спасибо” and a couple of small phrases. I would like to learn that language. It is difficult to see a particular aspect of cultural differences. “Of course, some things are different, but i see more common than the different ones.”
David's presence in Latvia is facilitated by the fact that he has studied Latvian at the University of Washington for one year. It is the only school IN THE USA where the Latvian language is taught. The lectures are given by Iveta Greenberg from the University of Latvia. David acknowledges that the lessons were not easy: “frankly, Latvian is quite complicated. Most difficulties are in grammar. Its structure is very different from English. Now i have a teacher in Rēzekne who gives the Latvian language. I think that the knowledge of the Latvian language will be improved by this time. '
Although David is only 22, he has achieved much. David has graduated from the University of Washington and obtained two bachelor degrees, one in psychology and another in Norwegian. David has also been an exchange programme in Norway at Oslo University. He studied neurology there and got his master's degree. David has also worked on several works. The first was a librarian's work, then at college he was secretary at the research office, but he had helped to study fear and stress.
The music field was also tried, but it could n't be earned, so it was just like a hobby. David sings and plays guitar in various styles, sometimes working as a dance. He is a member of the group Echoreason. It is a heavy metal band and has been released for four years, a second album called Loch.
The fact that Rēzekne is currently in Rēzekne is a benefit because it is a great opportunity to know people and get new friends, as well as to implement their ideas in a new culture and environment.

RA Student Skaidrite Murniece