Who has been or currently is a foreign exchange student?
Ok, so there is this foreign exchange student at my school from Spain, and after talking to him, I kind of want to become an exchange student. So, how do you become one? Is it fun and worth it? Why should I become an exchange student? Do you get to pick where you want to go? How do I ask my parents if I can get into the programs?
Studying Abroad - 1 Answers
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My name is Shahodat and I've been an exchange student in 06-07 academic year. I am originally from Tajikistan, a small country which was a part of a former Soviet Union. My exchange year in the United States was a blast. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I never regret it, would have done it again and again. After my year in the US I had to return to my country an graduate from the high school there. Now I am back to the States and go to college here. I was very blessed to have such a good organization that found me a very good host family. Right now I am still with them, and we truly became one family. I am planning on taking my hosts to my country. I would suggest you to look for AFS (American Field Service) organization representatives in your area. It's a very reliable organization, and yes, you can choose where you want to go. This organization is mostly volunteers, people love what they are doing so much that they are actually doing it for free. I am currently a volunteer of AFS, and we have about 5-6 Americans sent to other countries each year from our Kansas City area only. Mostly kids go to English speaking countries which will be much easier than let's say going to South America. Germany is another good choice. They do even offer scholarships, so you could probably get part of your trip paid for. Just start talking to your parents how interesting and cool it sounds to go to another country and learn their culture, lifestyle. It is truly an unforgettable experience. You come out as a new stronger person. Once you find someone from the organization you and your parents are always more than welcome to attend some of the monthly meetings they hold to ensure your parents that it is safe. But be prepared that it might be difficult to get your parents' approval. They love you and care about you too much. My Mom was also concerned about this whole thing at first, and then we started attending meetings and talking to people and also studnets who have been abroad before on the same program, and the next thing I knew Mom was more than OK, and actually encouraging me to go to new places and chase your dream! I hope I hepled you a little bit. I would really advise you to try it, because trying this as a teenager will be a thrilling thing to do!
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