Coal Grove – Dawson-Bryant students had a chance to travel this week without even leaving their village after an Internet chat brought them a visitor from across the world.

Friday, January 07, 2000

Coal Grove – Dawson-Bryant students had a chance to travel this week without even leaving their village after an Internet chat brought them a visitor from across the world.

Dawson-Bryant High School students welcomed Askin Okul, 18, a visitor from Okmar, Holland, into their classrooms Thursday afternoon for a lesson in the differences – and similarities –  between high school, education and life in the two countries.

But, without the Internet, the friendship that brought Okul to America never would have developed.

Two years ago, Okul went to a friend’s home and entered a chat room where he met Rebecca Skaggs of Kitts Hill.

"The way the chat rooms work is that there are people there who are regulars, who come there very often, and you befriend them," he said. "I met Rebecca Skaggs there."

After two years of friendship, chats and even telephone conversations, Mrs. Skaggs and her husband, Keith, met Okul face-to-face for the holidays this year. As a guest in their home, he has spent Christmas a little differently this year, he explained to the high school students in Coal Grove.

"In Holland, we have Sinta Klaus. He comes by to give you presents on Dec. 5 and then 20 days later, you’ll have Christmas and here comes Santa Claus," Okul said. "But this guy, Santa Claus, he must be broke because he doesn’t bring anything with him."

Laughter greeted Okul’s light-hearted and informative question-and-answer session, which ranged from entertainment to educational differences.

An impromptu drawing of Holland’s gift-bearing December icon drew more questions from the crowd of students.

"He’s thin, has a gold staff, a long beard and a long robe. He wears a triangular hat with a cross and he rides a white horse, not a sleigh," Okul said, explaining each feature as he drew it with chalk.

When the holiday lesson was complete, Okul walked a second group through the steps of an education in his home country.

"At age 4, you enter basic school that lasts until you are 8," he said. "At the end of that time, you will take a test, and based on the score you get, you will receive an advisement of what school to enter next."

For the first level of scores, HBO schooling is advised, which qualifies graduates of the four years of schooling for practical jobs, such as mechanical or construction jobs. The second level earns a placement in MAVO schooling, a four-year program that is a bit more of a challenge.

Okul is currently enrolled in the third level of schooling, called HAVO.

"This lasts for five years and prepares you for a profession like writer, journalist or teacher, things like that," he said. "If you want to be a doctor, you would have to score high enough for VWO. That lasts for six years."

With talk of school lessons came a small history lesson for the students as Okul explained his Turkish heritage.

"After the second World War, Holland was a big mess. The Nazis had trashed the whole place down and the government couldn’t do much at the time," he said. "With all of the people leaving Holland for France and Australia and (other neighboring countries), there was a shortage of people to work. The government began looking in other countries for people to work in Holland and my grandpa and grandma came here from Turkey."

Soon, talk turned from education to entertainment. Outside of school, the entertainment options for Dutch students are only slightly different.

"Every movie you see here will be released in Holland in six months or so," he explained.

Traveling is easier, too, he added.

"Holland is small. You can drive from one side to the other in about three hours," he said.

Things also are slightly more expensive, with basic Internet service running about $50 a month, he said.

But, despite the expense, the Internet is what began the journey for him –  a journey his parents, understandably, had some reservations about, he said.

Although reluctant to purchase the transcontinental airline ticket for her then 17-year-old son, Okul said his mother permitted him to make the trip anyway.

"My parents, I think, were worried because they are sending me to a country that is not very famous for their good things," he said, smiling. "But I think they must be OK with it because she signed the papers that allowed me to go."

Okul will spend a total of nearly three weeks in Lawrence County before returning to his home.