Being an exchange student is one of the most enjoyable experiences you are likely to have. It’s truly the opportunity of a lifetime, traveling to another country to learn, live with a foreign family and throw yourself inside their culture. Be well prepared for a new life-style, as your clothes, food and routine will most likely be quite unique on overseas soil. Here are some tips that may help you through this unique time in your life.
1. Remember that you will be an ambassador. No matter what country you are from, your lifestyle and actions will be seen as a representation of your land. You will be asked many questions about your country – the culture, government, landscape, history and cultures. Expect to give well-informed and precise answers.
2. Be sure and take important documents with you such as your health insurance card with contact info, immunization records, emergency information, passport, visa and copies of prescriptions for medications. You must be responsible to go on a journey of this magnitude, so begin to make a list of significant documents that you should take.
3. Talk together with your adviser about what form of currency to use while in your host country. A lot of students now use debit or charge cards for their foreign purchases and to withdraw money from automated teller machines. Not all countries have these kinds of conveniences however, therefore many students still use traveler’s checks. Make sure you discuss all these things with your parents so there are not any misunderstandings.
4. Pack lightly. It’s smart to pack lightly for your trip. Airlines charge for extra luggage, so it’s good to know your limitations there. Also, you can check into luggage forwarding, which simply means that a shipping company will forward your suitcases to your host country. Your luggage can arrive in a cost-efficient, safe manner to save you worry about airlines and extra costs.
5. Be versatile. When you arrive on foreign soil, you are likely to see new places, eat different foods and have new experiences, a few of which may be overwhelming. Be flexible, as much as possible always keeping in mind that your host family is there to support and care for you as long as you’re there.
Becoming a foreign exchange student can open up doors of possibilities for you that you never experienced. For instance, you may become an exchange student in Italy, really like the country, graduate and then give some thought to moving to Italy for your college degree. When your world gets bigger, you are aware of everything you can do, the places you can go and all that you are able to achieve.