Foreign Exchange, help!?

Question

Well I was thinking about doing foreign exchange for a semester either my junior or senior year. But I'm not quite sure if I should. I do want to, I think it could be a great opportunity. But I'm afraid of getting homesick or getting there and not liking it. Also if I do go I have no clue what country to go to. I was considering Ireland, Greece, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmak, or New Zealand. I was also thinking about Italy, I have some spanish which is what most programs (that I have saw anyway) require for Italy. So is being a foreign exchange student a good idea? Personal experiences would be great!!

Answer 1

Mabye you should take IN a foreign exchange student, or have a pen pal. I have a pen pal from Japan, and I've learned a lot

Answer 2

I've hosted 13 students now, and am looking forward to our 14th in the fall. I've also lived overseas myself. Yes, you will get homesick. No doubt about it. But there is a cure -- get out and do something! That should not be the motivating factor in keeping you at home!

Another thing to remember, after the newness has worn off, you'll be bored -- just like you are home.

So, if you can deal with those two things, and have a spirit of adventure -- take off! The advantages are numerous, not in the least full language and cultural immersion! This will benefit you when apply to colleges and universities (many offer preferred admissions and/or scholarships to former exchange students) and in the workplace later where multi-lingual people earn more money!

In addition, facing and overcoming the inevitable rough patches will help you grow and mature.

For lots of personal experiences from other students who've "been there" -- check out this site: http://www.exchangestudentworld.com/

It's not an organization trying to sell you anything, rather it's an online community of current and former exchange students offering advice and experience.

Do make sure you go with a reliable program. Make sure it's CSIET listed (www.csiet.org). That's a rather daunting list, so the best place to start is with your high school counselor who probably has a couple of recommendations. Generally, you'll find AFS, Aspect, Rotary and YFU reliable everywhere and ASSE in most places. AYUSA/INTRAX can be iffy.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Yes, you will get homesick, I promise!

You can do a summer exchange program, which will not require school enrollment or as much time away as a semester/year program. You also may not make as many friends your own age if you're not in school.

There are going to be things you don't like about staying home, so don't let that stop you. Just have an open mind, because people don't want you coming over telling them how great your country is. Go there because you want to learn how *they* do things.

Whatever program you choose, make sure it's accredited by csiet. This is a governing board of student exchange programs. You want to work with one who has a "full listing" to make sure you don't end up paying thou$ands to some fly-by-night operation that will leave you stranded somewhere.

It's as fun or as awful as you make it - enjoy!

Best to you.

Answer 4

Just start by experiencing for a month or summer and then after your stay, you can decide if this is something you would pursue for a longer time. Homesickness can be draining and you don t want to suffer and be in emotional pain while you are supposed to be focused on enjoying, learning and enriching yourself. Otherwise it will be a waste of time and money.

Spain is a wonderful choice since you said you know Spanish, it would make sense.

Location is a safe and most amazingly beautiful beach resort in Northern Spain.

Host families are extremely well screened and very loving. This program gets returnees year after year, so great it is.

Cost is really reasonable considering everything included (as long as you sign up with this program through their web site as there are organizations that sell the same program for much more so high quality it is).

Some of the activities and excursions it offers besides Spanish, cooking and dancing classes are: Guggenheim Museum, paella dinner, bullfight, fireworks on the beach, city tour, medieval towns, fishing villages, many beach days, Aquarium, tall ship vessel excursion, Roman village hiking trip, canoening down the river, shopping, and much more.

It offers you the possibility of enrolling with a friend with whom to share same host family home, or for you to stay alone at host family. Many host families count on children of similar age to participating students.

The program described is offered: YFU and www.beautifulspain.com, one of the best if not the best of the programs offered abroad world wide.