Donald Trump has headlined the world’s newspapers every day. With a new president in the Oval Office, some people are worried about losing their health care, some are worried about their jobs. We took a chat with some American students, and got a sense of what it’s like to be an American right now, studying abroad.
Margaret Dauer, studying at the Faculty of Humanities, is worried about the future for herself, her friends and family. But at the same time, she is optimistic when she sees the marches and airport-demonstrations across the world.
– Personally for me, I’m facing the risk of losing my healthcare, losing my reproductive rights. I’m facing the risk of losing my ability to access education based on finances, as well as my sister is losing all of the above […] But I’m really excited to see the movements, and the people getting up and off their feet and speaking out about their problems with what’s currently going on, says Margaret.
Norwegians and Trump
Jake Knight, who is studying sociology, says he has never seen his home country this divided. He sees the division as an unintended consequence of democracy, and hopes that unification will come soon. And his Norwegian friends tend to ask him questions.
– Most people don’t seem to be outraged, but actually kind of laughing. I know that America can be kind of funny some times, but I just try to answer their questions.
From across the border with love
We also spoke with Diana Gabriela Castillo Toriz, an exchange student from Mexico, who says she is worried about the situation, but that the Mexican people are hard working and will find a way through the tough times.
– Obviously, every change can be scary, but I think we are used to having easy access to the U.S, especially through the north […] But I also think its a good chance to change things a bit, get other partners in trade, and open our borders. And I think that in the end, it will work out just fine.
