Mia and Ela: Can you introduce yourself in a few sentences?

Michael: I'm Michael Soucie. I am working in Croatian- American Society (CAS) in Zagreb. I've been doing that for about 14 years. I go out to schools and give presentations. I've been running the entrepreneurship project in 4 schools in Croatia.

Mia and Ela:  So you've been saying you are working in CAS. How did it all start? How did you get a job?

Michael: Well, you know life is funny… When I moved to Zagreb in 2002,  I  didn't have a job so I went around looking  for one and I went to CAS. I had a friend there Tihomir who told me to come back in the fall. So, I came and I got the job.

Mia and Ela:  Can you tell me a bit more about your position in CAS?

Michael: I'm the director of English clubs at CAS. I also run summer camps in the USA and workshops we have in schools.

Mia and Ela: Do you like your job and what's your favorite thing about it?

Michael: I do like my job. I think the best part of it is meeting the new students and helping them meet their goals. I also like helping students with preparations for exams in the college. I was able to help 3 students to enroll to college last year which I'm proud of.

Mia and Ela: Where were you born?

Michael: I was born in Maine, USA.

Mia and Ela:  Where did you attend schools? Here or in America?

Michael: I attended all education in the USA. I went to the University of Maine Farmington and it was really great educational experience.

Mia and Ela: Can you describe education system in America? What are the main differences?

Michael: Do you have a couple of days?... Just kidding… I think here in Croatia you have too many subjects and students aren't able to focus or synthesize all the information. I think in the USA there are more useful projects and more helpful technology. Each education system has its pros and cons. I just think there are too many subjects here in Croatia.

Mia and Ela: How long have you been living here?

Michael: For about 14 years.

Mia and Ela:  How old where you when you moved here?

Michael: I was 27 years old.

Mia and Ela: Do you like living here in Croatia or do you prefer living in America?

Michael: I like living here. I think Zagreb is an awesome city to live in, to raise children.

Mia and Ela: Do you have any hobbies?

Michael: I've been pretty active in sports. I play basketball, tennis, I lift weights. I try to stay active as much as possible.

Mia and Ela:  What are the pros and cons of living in America?

Michael: I think the most important thing is finding a good job to earn the living. If you don't have a good job life becomes very difficult. Obviously, because standards of living are a bit different.

Mia and Ela: What do you do in your free time?

Michael: I don't have a lot of free time; I work about 60 hours a week. I do sports when I'm not injured and I see my kids.

Mia and Ela: Do you have a favorite TV show, movie or a book?

Michael: Hmm… I don't watch a lot of TV, but I like to read Dan Brown` s books like Da Vinci Code or Angels and Demons.

Mia and Ela:   Can you speak Croatian?

Michael: Ako moram… hahaha

Mia and Ela:  What's your favorite place to grab dinner here in Croatia and in America?

Michael: When I go to America I try to eat as much lobsters as possible. Lobster here is very different. In Zagreb it usually depends on my mood.

Mia and Ela:  Thanks a lot Michael!

Michael: No problem!