Not Alone

1. Not Alone “The thing that scares me most about being an exchange student is that I’m going to a country where I don’t know anyone.”

2. The most common misconception of a prospective exchange student is that they’ll be all alone. The truth is, as an exchange student you are provided with three major sources of support and friendship: Host Families School Exchange Students END

3. The first host family will get in touch with you before you ever leave home. They will try to give you a few ideas on what to pack and what to expect. At the same time, they are learning abut you to prepare for your arrival. They will meet you at the airport and take you back to their house, where you will be told to “feel at home.”

4. Throughout your time with your first host family you learn the language and culture. Your family also learns to have another person in their family. You will all make mistakes, but unless someone messes up big time, this will bring you closer together.

5. The first host family is aware that you are trying to establish a social life. This is when having a host brother or sister is wonderful, because they tend to go out of their way to introduce you to people and make sure you keep busy. Parents want to see you happy, too, and will often introduce you to their friends’ sons and daughters.

6. While still with your first host family, you will meet your second host family. You will have some time to talk and get acquainted with your second family before moving in.

7. By the time you are in your second family, you’ve probably already made several friends. The second host family understands that you are still relatively new to the area and will introduce you to other people, allowing you to diversify and expand your circle.

8. When you reach your third host family, you will be fluent in your country’s language and have adapted to its culture. The deepest connections often happen with the third family, simply because you are able to express your opinions and emotions more easily and have a greater understanding of the cultural background that influences their words and actions.

9. You may already know your brothers and sisters in your third family. You may find out you have some friends in common. If not, they’ll probably want to take you out and have you meet their friends.

10. The most common misconception of a prospective exchange student is that they’ll be all alone. The truth is, as an exchange student you are provided with three major sources of support and friendship: Host Families School Exchange Students END

11. A big part of being an exchange student is the student part. Shortly after arriving in your host country you will start school.

12. School is probably the best place for you to make friends. Exchange students are usually sent to private schools, where the students are a small and close-knit yet welcoming group.

13. While most foreign schools don’t offer sports and clubs, classmates tend to spend their out-of-school time together engaged in other activities.

14. You will have to make some effort to become friends with your classmates; this is true anywhere. There will be people you don’t like, and people who don’t like you. Over time you’ll find the right group.

15. The most common misconception of a prospective exchange student is that they’ll be all alone. The truth is, as an exchange student you are provided with three major sources of support and friendship: Host Families School Exchange Students END

16. Although it doesn’t always occur, you will likely meet the other exchange students who are living in the same state, province, or country as you.

17. There is often an orientation once all the exchange students have arrived. This is a chance for you to meet everyone and learn how to handle problems you may face during your exchange year.

18. You will probably meet some exchange students who live near you or who you have a lot in common with. Other exchange students are the best people to talk to about the problems of adapting, because they are experiencing the same thing. They are wonderful to travel with, since they don’t mind occasionally looking like tourists and are just as much “outsiders” as you are.

19. There are usually exchange student trips. For a lower-than-average price you can see the country’s best tourism spots with the other exchange students. Do it. You never know if you may ever get the chance again.

20. In addition to the beautiful sights and new experiences, these trips are a wonderful bonding experience for the whole group.

21. The most common misconception of a prospective exchange student is that they’ll be all alone. The truth is, as an exchange student you are provided with three major sources of support and friendship: Host Families School Exchange Students END

22. Remember, every exchange student has a different experience. Some students only have one host family, others have as many as six. You may be asked halfway through the year to change school, or even towns. Be prepared to be flexible. Also, don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re having a problem. If you’re miserable in your host family or can’t stand your school, talk to someone in charge. Your exchange organization should be willing to work with you. The most important thing is that you enjoy your year!