I'm considering being an exhange student. advice?

Question

my mom was to talking to our neighbor's son and he's going to thailand to be an exchange student.

now she's gotten it in her head that it would be so "beneficial" for me to do the same thing. i do have to admit i think it'd be pretty cool.

so the program lets you pick the country you want to stay in, any suggestions of countries that would be good to a 16 year old American girl?

has anyone out there ever been an exhange student? what did you think of the experience?

Answer 1

i think you should pick a country in europe. that would be amazing. depending on the country you choose, you'll be able to visit many other countries and cities because traveling there seems to be easier since the countries are close together.

i've never been an exchange student, but i know a german exchange student. she said that it's a really good experience because you learn to be more independent and you have a chance to see what another culture is like and live through it. you also meet some great friends.

Answer 2

Hi. I've never been an exchange student, but I host a girl your age from Brazil and I've lived in Thailand and Europe in the past.

I think it would be great if you are completely comfortable with it.

For countries-- think that depends on how much you've traveled and the standard of living you are comfortable with. If you have never been to Asia, it may be a bit of a shock because of crowding and the alphabets for the languages are far different. It makes languages tougher to learn.

Europe is very nice and the cultures are more similar to ours in America. Personally, the Czech Republic is my favorite country.

Don't forget South America. Brazil sounds wonderful and Argentina is beautiful.

Keep in touch by email with your neighbor while he is in Thailand. He might have a lot of insight for you.

Even in my 20's, the years I spent in Thailand completely shaped me as a person. Living abroad teaches you to open up to so many people, and makes you stronger and more able to deal with all sorts of situations--good, bad or just totally weird ;)

Just know that it is a big commitment and you and your parents have to feel 100% good about it. It can also be a bit pricey, so make sure you look at all different options for programs.

Good luck deciding and have fun!

Answer 3

Go abroad. I have been to Japan and France. I went to japan at your age.  I went with yfu.org on a full scholarhsip.

Studying abroad is hte most benifitial thing you can do. as far as where to go, go anywhere your heart desires. There is no such thing as best place to study. For me Japan was much more influencial than france because i am from french family so it was like going home... Japan blew my mind. However for you it could be different. look at the programs and where they offer. Choose the one that sounds most exciting to you. Do NOT think about if you speak the language or if you know anything about it. you can learn a new language, it is really a lot easier than you think if you go to that country. When you look and someplace just sparks for you then you know, that is where you need to go. I went to japan not speaking a word of japanese and when i came home i was fluent as a kidnergarder, and that was only 6 weeks without formal classes...

Answer 4

I agree with your mom. It is the experience of a lifetime! I'm 20yrs old, a college student, and I just got back from a 5 month foreign exchange in France about 6 weeks ago. Let me tell you, it was amazing! The people you will meet and the opportunity to learn a new language is one that should not be passed up! Being plunged into a new culture and learning the customs of people from around the world is the funnest thing I have ever done!