The students on both sides

of the pond enjoyed learning about the differences and similarities between

the two. Since all are seniors, one thing on everyone's mind was

college and how to pay for it. Both were surprised to learn the differences

in tuition costs.

"They thought that paying

$5,000 for a four-year education was too much. They were surprised to

learn that in the U.S. it costs an average of $30-40,000. Their tuition

sounded a lot better to me," said Ashley Cudsik, who added that many

Scottish students have to go into debt to finance their education due

to the lack of scholarships to help offset costs.

"After our discussion

I just felt so lucky to live here in America. There is so much more opportunity

here," said Cudsik.

The students also talked about

politics and low voter turnout in Scotland. In order to get more voters

to the polls, Parliament is considering reducing the voting age to 16.

"All of us agreed that

this was ridiculous. You don't have enough knowledge of politics

at that age to be making leadership choices," said Carmolingo.

Of course, President George

W. Bush and the Iraq War was a topic of discussion. While the Scots regard

him as a good leader, they question his reasoning for launching the war.

"They said the media over

there portrays Bush as being stupid but they don't think he is stupid,"

said Lauren Miller. "They feel that he has not justified the war

enough but they are not angry with him. They still have respect for him

as a leader."

Miller said she and her fellow

students learned a great deal about the Scots and their way of life during

the 40-minute discussion but there was one thing that alarmed her.

"The students in Scotland

seemed to know so much more about us than we knew about them. We spent

our time asking them questions about their country. I feel as Americans

that we need to be better informed. Our country is seen as a world leader

but it is amazing how little we know about the world," she explained.

One thing the students had

learned about the Scots prior to their discussion was that they love sweetened

cereal. Sugary cereal is not a staple in Scotland so the students routinely

place orders to import Lucky Charms from Sandy Creek.

"They are able to sell

the cereal easily because everyone loves it and it isn't available

in stores over there," said Corey Little.

The Scots send Sandy Creek

golf balls from St. Andrews Golf Course and other golf-related items.

The students sell the items to others at the school or anyone who is interested

in buying the products.

The students will continue

to trade with each other until the end of the school year. Next year a

new group of seniors will work with other students from Doon Academy to

start another small import/export business between the two schools.

At Sandy Creek, Star International

is an elective class open only to seniors. Students apply as juniors and

are selected based on written essays as to why they want to be in the

class.

Only 20 students are selected.

Sandy Creek just started recruiting students for next year and already

has received over 100 applications.

"It is such a great experience.

You learn so much about business and international business and gain real

world experience. It is a lot of hard work but I recommend it to anyone

who is thinking about a career in business," said Miller.