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The day has come...scary?!

When the day arrives and it’s time to take off, you will probably feel intense, excited and nervous. You will ask yourself if you’ve got your passport, visa and credit card at least 100 times.

Travel as an Exchange Student

It’s usually at the airport when it it hits you. “I’m going to be away for a whole year!” It might be scary at first, but you will meet up with other exchange students that are in exactly the same situation and feeling exactly the same way. Everyone may not be comfortable talking about their feelings, but you won’t be alone.

Don't! I'm an Exchange Student

Comments

1 Stella on Nov 27th, 2009 said:

So true. I did all these things, but it didn’t really hit me until I saw the airport - and I was going crazy in the car the rest of the way!

2 Sophie on Nov 28th, 2009 said:

I don’t think it will hit me before the airport either.. I can just imagine myself, when everyone starts saying goodbye to me; “WHAT? YOU’RE NOT COMING WITH ME!!?!?!?!” Haha XD

3 Lexi on Dec 27th, 2009 said:

That last moment when you turn the corner after security and know you won’t see your family again for months is one of the hardest things to do! But it is so worth it. Exchanging is the best thing in my life!

4 Stella on Dec 28th, 2009 said:

Spot on Lexi, that was the worst part! I started to tear up right after, but I got myself something cool to drink and sat down for a while. I kinda wished I had brought tissues at that point.

But then it got better, thank goodness. Exchange is so worth it.

5 Lexi on Dec 28th, 2009 said:

I wished that I had tissues too! Luckily this old Turkish woman had a pack and gave me some… I felt so odd when I was waiting for that plane overseas… I couldn’t believe what I had done!

6 Kara on Feb 9th, 2010 said:

Oh boyyy. I’m so nervous but so excited!

7 Ash on Jul 15th, 2010 said:

Hey everybody!
I want to go to Japan but i dont know any good exchange programs?

I also need help convincing my parents.
What do i do?

8 lexi on Jul 19th, 2010 said:

Find your local Rotary club and talk to them. They have a GREAT exchange program and lots of conferences, etc. that will prepare you AND your parents for the coming year. If you need more help, comment on this again, and I will contact you!

9 Ash on Jul 20th, 2010 said:

Hey lexi! Thanks! I found one right in my city! I am going to call them and ask for more info and see if they offer scholarships! I was wondering.. What should i pack? I have no idea? Just curious! Thanks so much Lexi!

10 lexi on Jul 20th, 2010 said:

Rotary is a volunteer-based program, so it shouldn’t cost you anything, or at most it will cost a few hundred dollars for the conferences (if they host them). What you will need money for is what you buy in Japan! :D And if you are anything like me, (I went to Turkey this past year) you will buy a LOT!

Packing… Don’t pack much! Pack your necessities: Your favorite jeans, just a couple shirts, a dress or two… You will buy a lot there. Bring lots of gifts! And an empty suitcase.

11 Ash on Jul 20th, 2010 said:

Thanks Lexi! You are such a big help! I will have to make sure i bring money…im a big spender
Specially around foreign stuff! haha!

What gifts should i bring to a Japanese person?
And how can i convince my parents? They are not against it but they are defiantley worried! lol Any advice? Thanks!

12 lexi on Jul 20th, 2010 said:

Well, best gifts for ANY person of any nationality is something from your life, something unique to your town or city… Maybe towels or tshirts or coffee mugs or even refrigerator magnets from your hometown!

13 Ash on Jul 20th, 2010 said:

Thanks! That is a really good idea actually!
What should i do to help convince my parents though? They dont understand this is my passion!
The good thing though it that they are not completely against it! XD
What can i do to prove its safe and what i want so badly?

14 lexi on Jul 20th, 2010 said:

Your parents are probably more understanding than you currently realise. It was that way with mine, anyway.
Tell them how important this is for your life, how willing you are to make it happen, and what bonuses you plan to receive out of it. It looks good to universities, and it is an amazing life experience. It may be hard for them to let you go overseas… It is worth the benefits though!

15 Ash on Jul 20th, 2010 said:

Thank you so much! I wish my parents understood more but i guess i will let them have time before i tell them about it again!
I think it will be an amazing experiance and i will just have to let them know this means the world to me!

I have some questions?

How long was the program?
was it hard to get adjusted to speaking the other language and such?
And was your Host family nice?
Did you get to pick the area you stayed in specifically?
And was it easy to make friends?

Thanks!

16 lexi on Jul 20th, 2010 said:

My program was 11 months, and it took about 3 months to be able to speak Turkish decently, to the point that I could have small conversations and get around the city without needing English anymore. With Rotary, you can’t pick a specific area; in fact, most programs don’t include that option.
It was very easy to make friends!

17 Ash on Jul 20th, 2010 said:

Oh ok! Thanks! I am glad it was easy to make friends!
You have been a very big help!
I found a Rotary program right in my area! (^^)
Should i just go ahead and call them or should i visit them in person?

18 lexi on Jul 21st, 2010 said:

Just call them and ask about their exchange program and how you can get involved. You should attend a few meetings and help with their volunteering programs, too. It looks great for universities.

19 Ash on Jul 21st, 2010 said:

Okay i will call them! My dad is willing to drive me to the building itself! (^^)
I will try to get involved as much as i can! (^^)
Thanks so much!! you have been such a big help!!!

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