To be an exchange student, you must be independent, able to work on your own, highly motivated, and adaptable. It helps if you’re a “people person” too. That doesn’t mean you must fit into a high school clique, but you must be able to relate to people of all ages and cultures.

An exchange year will most likely be your biggest challenge to date. It will be fun and exciting, but also boring at times and you’ll be frustrated at your seeming lack of language progress. You’ll be homesick. But those are the challenges that make the experience worthwhile.

IF you are a high schooler, you will have a homestay with a family. That host family bond is one of the most important part of your exchange year and they will help you overcome your challenges. You will also make new friends to help you as well.

Although I was not an exchange student, I went to Germany for two years when I was quite young (in the military) and had a wonderful time. You need to make the most of your opportunities while abroad and get out and do as much as possible.

You can find a list of those organizations certified to operate in the U.S. at www.csiet.org. I would not use one not listed there. You should also check with your school counselor. An organization is only as good as its local representatives.

For some helpful information on exchange students in general, check out www.exchangestudentworld.com. One of my former students did this site to help others around the world wanting to become exchange students. He did a good job of it too!

Good luck!