Interview 3

My Third Interview

Interview Preparations

In this research, I had to ensure that I had all the necessary tools required. I purchased a recorder that I used to make a copy of the interview in audio form. I also had a notebook that I used to record important questions and findings about the research. In class, we were given questions that we would work on and I added other questions on my own. I drafted the objectives for this interview as follows:

1.      Comparison of different governments

2.      Interviewee’s perception about their government and how it affects their daily lives

3.      Differences between living in the U.S. and their own country

4.      The differences in the schooling structure between the U.S. and their country

5.      The reasons why they chose SCSU school rather than other schools in the U.S. or other countries.

6.      Whether they have plans of either staying in the U.S. or going back to their country and why

I wrote a note on the notice board inquiring about any foreign student who was willing to be interviewed as part of my research study. The interviewees who presented themselves were five and I had to decide on one. I chose the student from Tanzania because he was the only student from that country in the campus. The interview took place in the Atwood memorial centre at Saint Cloud State University. I made earlier room reservation request for one hour that I would use for the interview. Setting Atwood as the location was more convenient because it was more private and silent. The recorder could be placed on the table provided in the room.

 Interview report

On Friday afternoon, Lekuton (my interviewee) and I went to the Atwood memorial centre. This was the best time I could conduct my interview because we both had no classes going on. At exactly 3 pm, we were settled in the room allocated to us and I set the recorder ready for the interview. I started with the questions that I had already printed out for the interview as Lekuton answered. The interview was relatively easy since Lekuton answered the questions with ease. I was amazed since he spoke fluently throughout the interview. Lekuton’s has a strong personality and character. The confidence he has made it easy for me to attain the objectives of the study.

Interviewee

Lekuton is a student from a city called Arusha in Tanzania. It is relatively smaller as compared to St. Cloud. The city is not well developed and industrialized as St. Cloud. Lekuton went to a public school in the region. He successfully finished his primary education and went to a neighboring public secondary school. The fact that he has six younger siblings made studying hard for him. He was forced to drop out of school for one year due to lack of school fees. However, his outstanding grades in school attracted a well-wisher who financed his education. The supporter is still paying his school fees up to this level. After graduation, Lekuton plans to pursue his master’s education immediately in one of the leading universities in the U.S. Afterwards, he plans to go back and work in his country. He believes that through the knowledge he would have acquired he would be able to improve the living standards of his family and the society. He also aspires to help other needy bright students in his local area in the future.

Country Report

Tanzania is a country located in Eastern Africa and it is estimated to cover approximately 364,945 sq miles (Skinner 38). The name Tanzania is derived from two states Tanganyika and Zanzibar, which united on 26 April 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania. The country is subdivided into 30 administrative regions 5 from Zanzibar and 25 from Tanganyika. According to the last census, it has a population of approximately 45 million people. Over 120 languages are spoken in this country with Bantu languages being the most dominant. The languages are further subdivided into dialects within the region. However, Swahili and English are their national language (Arnold 25).

            Tanzania has adopted the democracy form of government. This was mainly because they were colonized by the British. After independence, the country used the British form of government that is subdivided into three: the legislature, executive and judiciary. Tanzania has a gdp of $67.9 billion per capita. They depend on the natural resources present in the country such as diamonds, gold, iron ore and natural gas. They also depend on agricultural products such as coffee and cotton that boosts their economy.

            Education levels in the country have improved over the years. The literacy rate is estimated to be 73 percent (Central Intelligence Agency 24). For the first 7 years, it is compulsory for every child to go to school. However, most of the children drop out of school when they are 15 years old because of different reasons such as lack of school fees. Their culture is distinct with remarkable practices that they follow. Tanzania is well-know for the two world artistic designs: the Makonde and Tingatinga carvings. Their music ranges from Taarab to Bongo flava.

Interview transcription

Me: Where are you from?

Lekuton: I come from a town called Arusha in Tanzania.

Me: Why are you studying at SCSU?

Lekuton: I am currently undertaking a bachelor’s degree in Actuarial science.

Me:  What is your language? How many languages do you speak? How many languages are there in your country?

Lekuton: In my country, there are approximately 129 languages present. The most common are Swahili, English, Arabic, Makonde and Sukuma. My native language is Maasai. However, I understand both written and spoken Swahili, French and English. With the Hehe and Sukuma languages, am only able to speak but not write them.

Me: How are you able to write and speak French yet, it is not a common language in your local area?

Lekuton: I have always been fascinated by the French language so I took up a French class in my first year.

Me: That is admirable, where do you prefer, your home country or here and why?

Lekuton: I prefer living in the United States of America. America is a developed country and highly industrialized. Education levels in this country are commendable and the government protects the human rights of its people with more concern.

Me: How is the economy in your country?

Lekuton: The economy in my country has been increasing since independence. The GDP growth is currently rated at 6.5 percent. It has been actualized through the government’s effort in fighting the Socialists (Ujamaa) controls that were in the country. Nowadays, people are encouraged to be more active and participate in the private sector. Furthermore, the industries present such as mining have boosted the economy. Electricity generation, banking and agriculture have also attributed to the growth of Tanzania’s economy.

Me: Do you like the weather in St.Cloud? Please explain.

Lekuton: Honestly speaking, I do not like it especially the cold winters. I am used to the warm weather back in my country. I have to put on heavy clothes to keep warm, I cannot go to the beach and swim whenever I want to and I normally suffer from pneumonia once or twice in a year.

Me: What do you do for leisure?
Lekuton: I am a huge fan of Sydney Sheldon. Her novels are moving hence reading novels top my list. I also go for swimming, play chess, hang out with friends and dance during my leisure time. In fact, I took Tango evening classes last month.

Me: Sounds interesting. Could you please tell me about yourself?

Lekuton: I am Lekuton Miraj born and bred in Tanzania. I come from a humble background with six younger siblings. We belong to the Maasai community of Tanzania. Both my parents are farmers and they work all year round in our small farm back in Arusha. I have been fortunate enough to be the only boy in my village to have reached up to the university level of education. I am motivated to work extra hard whenever I think of the living conditions back at home.

Me: I am inspired by your story. How often do you communicate with your family back at home?

Lekuton: I make calls back at home three times in a week.

Me: I can see you really try to keep in touch with your folks .What is the biggest holiday in your country. Please explain about the holidays (Activities, Food, Date, Origin, etc.).

Lekuton: The biggest holiday in my country is the Eid ul-Fitr. This is a ceremony celebrated by the Muslims after 30 days of prayer and fasting. It was originated by the Islamic prophet Muhammad in 1500 BC. This marks the end of Ramadan period and the dates are usually marked by the appearance of the full moon. During this period, the Muslims cook a lot of food in celebration and offer some to the less fortunate. Eid ul-Fitr is normally marked by a lot of singing, dancing and giving.

Me: In what ways might it be difficult to practice your religion here in the U.S?
Lekuton: I am a Muslim. Currently, terrorist and bombers in the country have been linked to the Islamic religion. This has made it hard for me to walk around with my Kanzu and go to the mosque for my evening prayers. I am always in fear because of how people look at me as a Muslim.

Me: What is the biggest difference between the American culture and your culture?
Lekuton: Back in Tanzania, male children are often circumcised at a younger age while Americans do not.

Me: What are your goals for the future; after you graduate, what are you going to do? 

Lekuton: After graduation, I would like to pursue my master’s in actuarial in one of the best universities in the U.S. Afterwards, I will go back to my native home and try to help my family members and the society.

Me:  Do you have any questions for me? I have asked so many of you!

Lekuton: What perception have you always had about the African countries?

Me: I always thought Africa was a very poor continent. I contemplated that Africans were not as intelligent as we are and that they live in bushes. However, you have proved to me that Africans are equally competitive in the education sector as we are and you are normal human beings just like the whites.

Works Cited

Agency, Central I. The Cia World Factbook 2014. New York: Skyhorse Publishing, Inc, 2013. Internet resource.

Arnold, Marion I. Art in Eastern Africa. Dar es Salaam: Mkuki na Nyota Publishers, 2008. Print.

Skinner, Annabel. Tanzania & Zanzibar. London: Cadogan Guides, 2005. Print.