Episode 4: First Day

Welcome to Points In Between - an exploration of immigration, school, and American identity.

All the newcomer students who find their way to American classrooms have one thing in common: the experience of leaving home. This episode explores six different accounts.

This episode explores the contours of school days outside the US.

This episode explores what students thought America was going to be like before they came. And what they discovered when they got here.

This episode delves into what it feels like to walk into a new school - in a new country - for the first time. It turns out, it is possible to have a good First Day.

This episode delves into the history behind American public schools. How are our reasons for education connected to our school practices? Can this help explain some of the differences in education from country to country?

This episode explores the relationship between students and the people on the other end of the equation at school: their teachers.

This episode explores language as a feature of identity, as an obstacle to be overcome by students, and as an entree into many parts of American society.

This episode looks at the small (and sometimes big) things people notice and adapt to as they settle into a new place. Also, we'll consider our interviewees in a broader historical context.

This episode is about putting down roots in a new place. How do students who are new to American schools make friends? And what happens at home as they get more comfortable in school?