If I dont socialise much, what are my chances of become a foreign exchange student?

Question

I dont play any musical instrument, and I aren't involved in any clubs. I play sports with my family, but thats about it. How will this affect my chances? And what does my weight have to do with anything? If Im heavier, will I be put with people who are around the same weight or something? What are the main things people look for to accept exchange students?

Answer 1

if u are determined then do it. they only care about ur gpa and if u can adapt well to different situations then go for it.

Answer 2

I think studying abroad helps a lot of people become more social, if they want to be - especially if you go to a place where they speak a different language.  You bond with your fellow students over all being in a different environment, and you get to meet all kinds of people from all over the world.

If you don't want to become a foreign exchange student for a whole semester or year, try doing a short program for just a couple of weeks first and see if you like it.  There are some good short term programs listed at http://www.teensabroad.com

Answer 3

oh geez!  I always said that if I was accepted into a foreign exchange program that anybody can do it! I'm fat, I don't play sports nor am I involved in any clubs, and I make average grades.  Weight has nothing to do with it.  But I am smart, fun, and very social.  You have to be determined to go through all the paperwork and pay all the fees.  I started with the application process in Dec. 06 for my study abroad for a year (Sept 07- May 08).  I'm in France right now.  

The only thing that is sort of a requirement is your GPA.  Some countries will only accept students with certain GPAs and some kind of background in what they want to study.  Like, my GPA was 2.5 as of Sept. 07 but it was 2.7 or so when I applied to study abroad through ISEP.  Also, I had taken French for years before I came here.  That helps.  All I'm studying here is the language.  

When you get to wherever you want to go if you do, you'll make friends.  It's soooo easy!  You'll meet lots of people.  IF you have any questions or anything, just me an IM or email.  I'm not blocked.

Answer 4

Don't worry about that stuff!  Being an exchange student isn't a popularity contest and it's certainly not a beauty pageant.   It's about wanting to learn another language & get involved in a new culture.  

I was an AFS exchange student, as were both of my sisters, and it was the best experience of my young adult life.  Learning a new language, seeing the world - since then I've lived in two other foreign countries and I'm about to move to a third to start a job I found thanks to my best friend from my time as an exchange student.  If you go for the right reasons - a genuine desire to learn - you should have a wonderful time.

I'm sad to see AFS get such bad press these days, but what happened to the boy who went to Egypt was really odd.  Groups like Rotary send you to different families during your stay but I tend to think of that as a bit disruptive.  Not every family is going to be a good fit for every student but you just really need to speak up and tell AFS if you have a problem.  My host family was absolutely amazing.  I have kept in touch with my host family ever since I lived with them - 12 years ago - and in fact I stayed with them for a week last year.

I will say this - the best way to learn the language is to make friends with the kids at your school that are NOT exchange students themselves.  If you go to a Northern European country chances are everyone will speak English really well - so you will have to "fight" to get them to speak the target language with you.  

Also, if you are not very social you might feel a bit lonely - However, some kids find they have an easier time opening up when they get to the new country because they aren't carrying "baggage" from their old schools.  I was never into any clubs at school in the US but overseas I started playing role playing games (which were actually pretty popular in the country I went to) and because of it my language skills got really good & I had a wonderful network of friends.

Good luck:)