I have gotten some questions about how I became an exchange student and what exactly I did. So for all of you future exchange students who don’t really know where to start, this is for you:
- Research: look at all the options and find general information about an exchange.
- Decide: decide if that´s really what you want.
- Convince your parents: try to give your parents all the reasons why you want to go and try to make them see all the good sides of an exchange year.
- Find an organization: your organization is who is going to help you with everything so pick one that you like and trust. Some examples include EF, AIFS, AFS, YFU and many more.
- Talk to your school: you have to make sure that the school you´re currently attending is fine with you studying abroad for a year.
- Application: apply for an exchange year with the organization you chose and go through all the steps they want you to take. This may include filling out some questions etc.
- Close the deal: get your contract and sign it after you made sure that there are no obstacles and you are 100% sure that´s what you want.
- Host family application: most organizations make you fill out some personal stuff and answer questions in order for them to find you the perfect host family.
- Check your documents: Is your passport valid? Is it valid long enough? Check if there are any travel documents you have to renew.
- Get your visa: depending on where your exchange year is going to be, you may need a visa or something similar. Check if that´s the case.
- Your farewell book: a lot of exchange students have a farewell book where their friends and family each design a page. Most of the students then read the individual entries of everyone on the plane.
- Contact your host family: If you have your host family contact them and get to know them before arriving in your host country.
- Money: think about how you´re going to pay for stuff there. How much can you spend in a month? Are you going to use a credit card?
- Farewell party: If you want to have a farewell party start planning it and think about who to invite, where to have it and when. The when is important! Think about school breaks, when a lot of people are gone etc.
- Gifts for your host family: Your host family decided to let you live in their house for a year and they get nothing in return. Get them something nice to show your gratitude. A lot of people get something personal or something from their hometown.
- Cancel subscriptions: Is there anything that you have to cancel? Do you use a gym or an account that you don´t want to pay for while your gone?
- Pack your luggage: Packing is a tricky thing. Try to remember that you can always buy stuff there and just pack your absolute favorite things.
- Plane ride: Say goodbye to your family and get on that plane!!
- After arrival: get settled and if you need something like a phone contract get that as well. After that just enjoy!!!
MY THOUGHTS, MY LIFE, MY STORY 