Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tips on preparing to become an exchange student in Spain in two years?
Tips on preparing to become an exchange student in Spain in two years?
So I've talked this over with my parents, and they said that if my health remains good, (we've had some hospital incidents with an extremely rare hereditary disorder which no one alive in my family has, btw, basically, I've gone into anaphylaxis (allergic reaction) in the middle of the night three times over the past 7 months. We went to Duke Hospital and they're treating me now. In about five months from now, the anaphylactic reactions should stop happening.), I can probably be an exchange student in Spain for the 2012-2013 schoolyear. Obviously, I will definitely be old enough, as I am in high school now. I'm taking Spanish, and I'll admit, I'm a very, very quick learner in it. The teacher let me borrow some additional material, and now I'm ahead of the rest of the class. Yes, she is teaching us Spanish words/grammar in Spain. (In addition to what is spoken in the Americas.) I've already started setting aside some money to help pay. I'll apply for scholarships too. But for now, what else can I do to prepare? Thanks!
Studying Abroad - 3 Answers
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1 :
Sounds like you've got a lot of your bases covered! Here are some other thoughts I have: - inquire with the organizations you're considering, and check on their medical policy. I know the company I previously worked for was very nit-picky about health history. You may have already done this homework, but make sure the organization you have your heart set on doesn't have a stringent requirement. - put some of your teachers/community mentors on notice for a letter of recommendation - you'll likely need a few - if you're not graduating next year, start talking with your high school now about how your year will transfer -- will you get full credit? Will you need to do pass/fail in Spain, or get actual grades? Will you have to repeat a year? Are there class credits you can take in the 2011-2012 school year to keep you from having to repeat? - pick out an interview outfit? :) - perhaps consider hosting an exchange student from Spain next year. Not only will it give your application an edge -- being able to say you've hosted is huge -- but if you host with an organization that gives a hosting discount, you would be able to shave some cost of your own program :) Plus you'd have someone to visit in Spain! I know that AFS & CIEE give "hosting credit." If you think hosting might work, jump on it now. You went to Duke Hospital -- are you in the Raleigh Durham area? I used to work with NC and schools around there fill up fast, in terms of exchange students. Good luck!
2 :
She SHOULD be teaching you Peninsular Spanish, but you'd figure anything out within about a month, anyway. I'd be more concerned about your health issues! OMG! What if something like that happened while you're there!? People in Spain don't speak very good English...you won't be able to communicate at all, but I promise, when you're going into anaphylaxis, you aren't going to be able to think in Spanish! How old will you be? What sort of program are you talking about? There really isn't that much more to do...if you have a choice of where you're going, you might take some time to flip through some information on possible cities, get an idea for your best bets.
3 :
I participated in a fabulous program, called HomeStay Spain in SPAIN. After speaking with other kids in the group who had participated in other exchange programs abroad we decided this was the best! If you are interested in a lifestyle immersion experience and willing to learn about Spanish Culture and Lifestyle, this is the most amazing program available. The beautiful and safe town of Santander is known for its cultural refinement, and an atmosphere typical of old Spain. It is so much fun!!! And we learned so much!!!! It was so enriching. I LOVED IT!!! Both my sister and I participated different summers and we had a blast! We made so many good friends we still keep in touch with! The program is really well planned out and people are lovely! Many host families have teens. They even allow you to come with a friend to stay in same host family home or in a different home. And if you sign up early they allow you to choose from the available host families for a perfect fit. Check their website www.beautifulspain.com Before deciding among different programs I had a chance to speak with some contacts that had participated in this program and my parents did as well. Everyone spoke wonders about this program, the host families and the local director Nuria, who is such a nice lady,... She is usually in Florida at this time of the year, so that means that you may be able to talk to her on the phone once you contact them through their web site. This program is considered the most complete exposure to a foreign country because as they say it is true that it combines CLASSES (art, debate, street talk, folklore, DANCING classes, among others) with FUN and EXCITING ACTIVITIES such as Latin Dance Classes, Bullfight, Boat Excursion, etc…, FULL DAY OUTINGS to places of historical and cultural interest such as prehistoric Altamira Caves, Guggenheim Museum, Roman Ruins, "Capricho de Gaudi", Roman Route Hiking adventure, etc... are also ALL INCLUDED IN THE PRICE while living with a local, loving and carefully selected HOST FAMILY. I know this program allows you to choose from several host families (the type of things this program does, no other program would ever) in order for everyone to be happy.
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