Going to the USA for 5 months?

Question

I am a 15 year old Australian and have recently been thinking about doing an exchange to the US. I would go to school over there and live with an American family and live like a local.

There are 2 things stopping me:

1) What if something were to happen to my family or friends here?

2) Home sickness

These 2 things are making me have second thoughts.

What is your advice/opinion?

What would you do?

Should i go?

Answer 1

You have been given some great advice....

   I also think that you should go...and yes, for the first couple of days or weeks, you will be homesick....however, you will soon meet new friends and it will be an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.

  GO FOR IT!

Answer 2

In the case where something should happen to family or friends, you could conceivably use your return ticket to go back. It would cost extra to change the reservation but it's doable.

If you're home sick, well... that happens, but it's nothing you can't get over! You know the US is different from Australia in many ways, but at least you speak the same language and all. You'll be fine.

Going abroad for a few months is a great experience and I'm sure you'll have a good time.

Answer 3

I went to boarding school. You will miss certain things for sure. But I think you'll be so busy that it won't really register.

If something happens, you'll still have a valid multiple re-entry visa so you can return with no problem, just the cost of airfare, really.

I say to go and check it out. When you're 18 and can get a working holiday visa they don't honour them in the US so you can't do it. If you're interested in the US now is your chance to go. If you get a choice, try the Pacific NW or the Northeast, something completely different than what you're used to.

Answer 4

You sound like a person that cares a lot about your family. I like that in a person.

Well, if I were in you shoes I would definitely go. How many times are you going to get an opportunity like this. Just remember  you'll never be more than a phone call or a plane ride away from your family. Good luck to you.

Answer 5

Go and have fun.

Answer 6

it would be a great life expeirence if you were able to come here as an exchange student...you shouldn't let the what ifs hold you back

You should go..5 months isnt a long time..at all..and their is always webcams, phones,  emails, messengers, and postal service to keep in contact and see your family

and their are airplanes if something were to happen to your family

Answer 7

Both are valid possibilities.  

For emergencies you would do well to make sure the program you are traveling with provides return travel for such things.

Keep in mind that such a trip home would probably cancel your exchange experience.

Home sickness can happen at any time.  You have to decide if you want to leave familiar surroundings for a few months in order to experience a whole new culture and meet new people.

Hopefully you'll been so busy taking in all these new things that home sickness wouldn't be much of an issue.