NEWFANE — In November, Remi Tilkin, a Belgian exchange student at Leland & Gray High School, did a presentation on Belgium for two classes of fifth- and sixth-graders at Newbrook Elementary School.
Every exchange student from PAX, a non-profit educational organization that promotes and arranges international student exchange, is asked to do a presentation about his or her native country, including reference to a book or a song, for a school in his host area.
Tilkin's presentation was in the form of pictures and videos about several aspects of Belgium. He read also a chapter of “The Little Prince” of Antoine de Saint-Exupery in French (his native language) and in English. After that, Tilkin shared three songs: One in each language of Belgium: French, Dutch, and German.
Belgium, a small European country bordered by France, Germany and the Netherlands, is especially famous for chocolates, beers, waffles and the Smurfs. NewBrook students notably learned about Carnival, a festival season before Lent that involves people in elaborate costumes, as well as Saint-Nicolas - a kind of Santa Claus for Belgian children - who comes every Dec. 6. The presentation also included a look at famous buildings such as the Atomium, the Manneken Pis and other Belgian specialties.
“Until now, I have been discovering another life style,” Tilkin said. “But this was the first time since I arrived that American people have discovered how Belgian people live.” Life in America differs from life in Europe, Tilkin explains, in terms of points of view, modes of thinking, methods of schooling and even food. In Europe, each country has its own customs, its own languages (sometimes several such as in Belgium or in Switzerland), and its own political system.
“Despite the European Union and the Euro - a common currency for 16 members countries of the European Union - all member countries have kept their specialties and unique identities. The U.S. is very big,” he continues, “and one can find everything one wants here, while my country is a big as Massachusetts. The purpose of my presentation was to encourage kids to discover Belgium and to tell them that everywhere all around the world, one can experience different cultures. Even if they seem to be strange, if you take time to understand them, you can learn a lot.”
Students enjoyed the presentation.
“It was a little long but I learned a lot,” said one.
“I really appreciated the Speculoos, a kind of ginger bread that Remi baked for us,” said another.
“That was really impressive,” NewBrook's librarian said. “He talked for one hour and thirty minutes in a language other than his native one. It was well organized too.”
It was long for the presenter, too.
“I am not used to talking for one hour and thirty minutes without almost any break,” says Tilkin. “Already in French, it would be difficult. But I was very happy to be able to tell the kids about my country and to show them how the 'old Europe' looks.”