Many teenagers study abroad to take a year off. It's supposed to be a vacation, a break from old habits, stress and boredom. What many people don't realize is that being an exchange student is a lot harder and not always as fun as expected. Yes, I voluntarily rose to the challenge. Nobody pushed me out the door. I just want to let future students know that every day will not feel like a party. Although, there are far more pros than cons, and even though you run into some difficulties and awkward situations it's a once in a lifetimeexperience. It's an incredible journey.
However, these are a couple of generalized and random examples. This is not personal statements from MY perspective and they are not targeting anyone.
There will be
There will be
- Rules you think are unfair and unnecessary but have to follow
- Adults who treat you like a child, but expect you to act like a grownup
- Activities you have to participate in that you would prefer not to
- Students you have to spend time with that you might not get along with
- Days you are in a bad mood but have to put on a smile (because people in your family and friends back home know that you are having a bad day, while in your host country they will get a bad impression)
- Moments you feel verbally handicapped (you don't get their jokes, they don't get yours, feelings you can't fully express)
- People who will constantly judge you based on the very little they know about you
- Chores and responsibilities you are not used to having, like doing dishes every day
- Weekends you have to stay home because you ran out of money or don't have a ride (not allowed to drive)
- Marks that go down because of language issues
- Peers that will make fun of your accent, appearance and culture
- Days you want to be alone but don't get any privacy and days you feel alone but don't have any company
- Courses you dislike but have to take
What I'm trying to say is: There will be days where you feel helpless, confused, annoyed and frustrated, but make it to your advantage and learn from it. For instance, instead of wasting energy and time on being angry at stupid house or program rules, take a minute and appreciate the freedom you have back home. Also, keep in mind: The "stupid" norms are not stupid, they are different. Just like the "stupid" people who tell you what you can and can't do are not stupid, they most likely want what's best for you, themselves, the community etc. It's your job as an international student to cheer up/suck it up, be accepting and show respect. You are in their country, living in their house and going to their school. Be grateful. However, this should go both ways. You deserve respect and tolerance as well (communication is very important, which leads on to another topic).
Despite the "downs", if you are lucky enough to get an opportunity like this, take it :)
Despite the "downs", if you are lucky enough to get an opportunity like this, take it :)
Just a small comment to the post saying that exchange is a challange: My intentions were not to offend or target anyone. It was written from an overall generalized perspective. Neither did I mean to give future exchange students a negative impression. All I wanted was to give you all a honest note about what exchange is really about. You are not entering a Hollywood high school musical movie (although, at some point it feels like it). As an exchange student you live a different, new, but real life. It's going to be downs, mostly ups, but like I said: It's an amazing and unforgettable experience.