An oveseas exchange programme?

Question

Hi,

I am considering an overseas exchange programme (maybe Ireland, Canada or Britan) next year instead of going to Uni. Has anyone done this? I am real keen on it but my parents dont want me to waste a year overseas, so can people please give the positive (and negative) sides to this expeience? Was it worth it and what did you get out of it?

Thanks heaps!

Answer 1

Hi, I'm from the U.S. and I did an exchange to Switzerland in between high school and Uni.  I would recommnend going somewhere where you could learn a new language.  From my perspective, it was not a waste of time but one the best experiences of my life.  I also had to spend quite a bit of time convincing my parents to let me go.

Positives:  learning a new language, experiencing a new culture, making (and keeping) friends half way around the world

Negatives:  being away from family (if you like them, otherwise move this to positives), starting Uni a year later (though not really a negative), learning curve in understanding when learning a new language, possible cost.

I did my exchange with the Rotary Youth Exchange Program  It was an amazing experience and they provide you with lots of support.  You basically get a local club to sponsor you and then the organization takes care of finding you host families, etc.  Even though I had graduated high school, I attended a Swiss high school for a year, and it is something I would definitely recommend.  I met lots of people that way.  

Also with Rotary, you normally have 3 host families while you are there.  However, I ended up with one because I was in a small town and it turned out wonderfully.  I still keep in contact with them and even after 8 years, I am going back to visit them this summer.  

I hope this helps.