By: Philip Berkwit
On August 9, the state of Florida and Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS) were introduced to the majestically described “Norwegian Nightmare;” Herman Syse Ulfsnes. The 6’6 behemoth of a junior is an exchange student from Norway; just like his father before him. His father attended a year of American high school in Minnesota.
“I wanted to experience the [American] culture. I wanted to see what it was like. You hear a lot about it on TV,” stated Herman.
Herman’s love for basketball was also a major reason for his exchange. He is currently on the PVHS basketball team. Herman pointed out, “Theres better competition here for basketball. On this [PVHS] team, there are a lot of players who are better than me. This way, I can get better faster.”
Herman is a man of great intellect. He has traveled to over seven countries, and he knows multiple languages. However, the United States has still surprised him in many ways.
“Theres just more stuff here. Everything’s bigger, everything’s cheaper. The climate here is very nice. Especially in the summer and fall. It’s nice to wear shorts and T-shirts. I really enjoy going to the beach. Although, I like Norwegian winter better because you get snow. When I think about Christmas, I think about snow. It doesn’t really feel like Christmas yet,” expressed Herman.
Herman also misses some of the Christmas traditions that are present in Norway. Herman spoke about Ribbe which isa type of pork belly.
“Ribbe taste good. It has really crunchy skin, explained Herman.
The U.S education system has also been a culture shock for him. In Norway, multiple choice questions are not a thing. The classes required there are also of much higher academic levels than the U.S., Herman actually prefers the U.S’ method of testing, but he did point out its flaws. Herman noted, “I prefer multiple choice. It’s so much easier. It probably makes you learn less, though,”
However, Herman does not like every change in the US School System. Specifically, when it comes to St. Johns County, Herman spoke about how, “In America you’re not allowed to leave. In Norway, during lunch; you can go home. You can leave if you want to. I don’t have to wait for everybody else. If I’m late to school my parents don’t get a letter.”
Being an exchange student; Herman has also been away from his family for months. Both of his parents have found vast success in Norway. His father is a microbiologist, and his mother is a specialized doctor. Being away from them has not always been easy for Herman.
“Theres better competition here for basketball. On this [PVHS] team, there are a lot of players who are better than me. This way, I can get better faster.”
Herman syse ulfsnes
“It’s tough at times but I keep myself busy so I can enjoy my time here,” explained Herman. In his free time; Herman has been going to church, playing Clash Royale, and listening to music from Michael Jackson and Rihanna. He also currently lives with a fellow PVHS junior, Gavin Fox. Herman pointed out, “Gavins really Nice.” Gavin’s family volunteered to let Herman live with them.
There has also been a cultural shift when it comes to the people. Herman joked, “Americans are bad at Geography and there’s a lot of fat people.” This claim actually has some weight to it.
In Norway, the obesity rate is only around 25 to 27 percent. In the U.S, the average is nearly double this at 40-43 percent of adults being obese.
“Theres less unhealthy food in Norway; the food is less processed,” claimed Herman.
Herman does not hate Americans though. He pointed out some positive differences that the American people have compared to Norwegians. Herman claimed, “American people are nicer, they’re more sociable. Norwegians are pretty cold.”
Herman also wanted to shout out the a palm valley Italian joint; Vincenzo’s Cucina.
“There foods amazing, the staff is amazing, great service and [the owner] is such a nice guy. He loves Ponte Vedra. Everybody should check out Vincenzo’s.
When it comes to Hermans future; he does not everybody planned out yet. However, Herman stated, “If I get a scholarship either academically or athletically for a college in the U.S, it would be cool to go to college here. But since College is free in Norway, I would rather go to college for free there than pay for it.”
Herman goes back to Norway in June. Until then; the talented junior known as “The Norwegian Nightmare” is staying happy in Florida.
“America is awesome,” Herman exclaimed. “Florida is amazing. What other state would I want to live in?”
Pictured: Herman with his father doing what they love, watching Basketball.
