Foreign exchange Student. Big Choice. Please Help?

Question

im almost 16 years old and i have decided to do a year long exchange in either Holland or Brazil.

I have narrowed it down to those 2. My parents have agreed to it and are willing to pay for the 11 month exchange, i also meet the requirments.

I just cannot decide what would be the better choice.

with brazil i do have 4 years spanish exp.

Holland im expected to learn Dutch ( classes are taught in it)

And

Brazil it is Portuguese

I have to submit my application by the 31st ..

Im Blonde and have Blue eyes and very Fair

so i may stick out very much in brazil

thank you soo much

Answer 1

I was a foreign exchange student about 10 years ago. I went to Denmark and loved it! So congratulations on your decision.

Choosing the right country to visit is more than just a matter of taste, there are many points to consider, a very important one (very often left for last) is budget.

I would suggest to you, if both countries interest you equally, to discuss it with your parents. The costs of living from Brazil to Holland are very different. Your parents may have a say in which they would prefer. Or which one might be more appropriate to their budget.

Include your parents in your choice making, it will make them feel special and make your trip all the more easy. If you and your parents know you will have enough money to live (wherever you choose) for a year, you and them will have more peace of mind, and you will be able to enjoy the trip even more.

By the way, Brazil has a very beautiful mixture of ethnicities, just as the US does, which include plenty of blonde blue eyed people, so don't worry, you won't feel too out of place.

Answer 2

IN EITHER COUNTRY, YOU WILL LEARN A LOT. I THINK IT WILL BE EASIER IS YOU GO TO BRAZIL IF YOU KNOW SPANISH, BUT HOLLAND IS MORE BEAUTIFUL.

Answer 3

First I want to say congrads on deciding to study abroad.  That is one of the best decisions you will make during High School.

Blond, blue eyes... you wont stick out...  Lots of old germands in Brazil.  But, you dont speak portuguese.  They dont speak spanish in Brazil.

The point of  FOREIGN exchange is to be in a in culture.  I hope you WANT to learn the new language and customs, otherwise why go?

They are two very different countries.  I guess it adds up to what you are most interested in.  I am sure in Holland you will feel more 'at home' because Holland is, well let's face it a wealthy country and Brazil is not.  

I would vote for Brazil.  Dutch is not a very useful language.  And it is not radically different.  

If I were you I would take the opportunity to study in a COMPLETELY different country such as Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Turkey or anywhere else that is not like the US.

Answer 4

go to holland - its an awesome place and the people are so fun!!

Answer 5

I would go2 Brazil!

Answer 6

Well, you would certainly be exotic looking in Brazil.  But Brazil is a melting pot much like the USA and Canada.  Brazil has people from all over the world too!  You will find people of Northern European ancestry as well as people of Portuguese and Native ancestry.  Depending on the city you may find many fair haired people like you.

If you like a warm climate, then go for Brazil! Portuguese is related to Spanish, so if you've studied Spanish, then Portuguese should be somewhat easy.

If you have already studied German, then Nederlandisch should be somewhat easy to learn.  Nederlandisch is related to German.

If you like WINTER, then go for the Netherlands.

Answer 7

Holland!!!!  on breaks you can jump over to Germany, Belgium and see more of Europe overall!  Great trip.  Learn Dutch and get goin!!  congrats.