What's it like to study abroad?

Question

What was your experience like? I'm thinking of studying abroad for my junior year of high school, probably in Finland or Norway. What countries do you think would be the best?

Answer 1

I didn't study abroad, but I lived abroad over the summer in Germany, and it was AMAZING. The only problem is, you HAVE to know the language where they put you. Yes, you choose the country, but most study abroad programs send you to the smaller towns that speak only the main language, and maybe VERY little english or anything else. So pick a country where you feel most comfortable speaking in their "native tongue"

Answer 2

I'd say Norway! I'm hoping to go to Iceland, Norway, Finland, or Honduras with AFS in 09-10 for my Junior year.

You should defintely do it!

If you have any questions you can email me.

[e-mail]

And here is AFS's website.

http://www.usa.afs.org/usa_en/home

Answer 3

I just came across this website, you can find a lot of useful information on study abroad, hopefully may help you:

http://summer-study-abroad-program.blogs...

Answer 4

I've hosted a Finnish student and visited there last summer -- amazing place! Interestingly enough, you could end up in a Swedish school though! That's the other official language.

Norway is also splendid! We have a kid from there coming in next year.

Since most exchange organizations require you to list three country choices, I'd put up both, and perhaps add Sweden. I think you'll be really happy with any one that you get!

If you'd like some tips and tricks on being an exchange student, check out this site -- it's an online community of current and former students. http://www.exchangestudentworld.com/

Good luck and have a great time!

EDIT: Most of the country placements you do NOT have to know the language before you get there! For sure, no one in Finland expects ANYONE to speak Finnish! Besides, in the Scandinavian countries, almost EVERYONE speaks English (not necessarily good when you're trying to learn THEIR language) because all of the American and British movies and TV shows are aired in English!

Answer 5

Im stydying abroad..Actually i live and study now in England,but I come from Latvia,thats my nationality.From the start it was hard to study in english college,but i get used to it...Some of the foreigners are good friends,although some people are racesists and they hate foreigners,so be carefull.