On October 20, 2008, a group of Automotive students from Sweden and their instructors visited the auto shops at Henry Abbott Tech.  For two weeks, the groups went to local dealerships, autobody shops, and specialized shops in the area.  They also traded information about their craft and their culture.

“We were surprised at how unemotional they were,” said Brian Andronaco, a senior automotive student.  “And they seemed to like everything.”  They were particularly impressed with a shop that builds Shelby Cobra kit cars. 

Ashley, an autobody student said their guests were amused by the candy, Swedish Fish.  “They’d never even heard of it before they came to America.  They liked it though.”

John Sinopli observed, “Their candy is different.  They loved this black licorice covered with salt.  We tried some and gagged.” 

Overall, food was a popular topic.  The Swedish students did not appreciate our school lunches, and avoided the cafeteria food.  “They have home cooked meals at their school in Sweden and they have more time to eat,” Brian stated.  Both John and Brian said their guests were surprised by the large portions at restaurants and the vast amounts of junk food available here in the U.S.

Certain laws were also discussed among the teens.  Driving is a privilege earned at age 18 in Sweden.  That is also the legal drinking age, but only at the bar.  They cannot purchase alcohol at a liquor store until they turn twenty-one.

As far as their observations at Abbott Tech, the Swedish students were impressed by the spacious, well-equipped shop.  They also liked the high tech equipment.  At their school, their course of study covers large trucks, diesel vehicles, and machines like excavators.  Here, our students work mostly on passenger cars.

All of the students interviewed agreed that their guests were not stuck up.  Ashley said, “They are normal people who like the same kind of music.” 

Brian agreed.  “They were really nice, even though we drilled them with ridiculous questions.”