A few days ago
Cat

Foreign Exchange?

Ever since I was young I have wanted to be a foreign exchange student. I would like to go to either Japan or Germany next year, random choices I know. I know a good ammount of German and would like to learn Japanese. I really want to spend time on my own in a different country but I wonder if I can truly handle it, living in a different culture away from family and friends. If anyone who has ever been a foreign exchange student would like to help answer my questions about what is was like being in a foreign place for so long without people you knew, I would be very grateful.

Top 3 Answers
A few days ago
Anonymous

Favorite Answer

You don’t mention whether or not you are high school or college.

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!

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4 years ago
?
Lol if that is truly…. Corporeal punishment within the institution method is infrequent, even in America. Maybe they’re afraid that your mum and dad again in England might have conniptions. Why did you cheat within the first position for those who had been terrified of the penalties?
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A few days ago
rosemary512002
We use to have young girls come from different countries. They were ages from 10-16 when they came. Intercambio was the agency. It really is interesting to have them stay with you.
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