Becoming a foreign exchange student can be a great learning experience for young adults. Students have the opportunity to live and study in another country, absorbing the culture of their temporary home. Studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity that should be considered by every student.
Instructions
1. Research what programs your school already has established for studying abroad. There may be opportunities to go to a certain country with some of your classmates rather than going alone.
2. Find out more about what the trip would entail. Programs generally range from a summer to a year. Once you've chosen an organization to work with, they'll provide you with all of their specific requirements. A good grade point average is usually needed and many times it's necessary that you speak the language of the country you'll be staying in.
3. Consider if you are ready to live in another country. It requires a certain amount of adaptability and maturity to travel so far from home. Many exchange programs arrange for you to live with another family. This will be both a benefit to you, as well as a challenge. The family can help you adjust to their culture, but you will initially be staying with strangers and will have to conform to their rules and way of running their home.
4. Prepare for your trip. Once you have decided on a country and organization to work with, follow their instructions for preparation. You will have to get a passport if you don't have one already, learn about cultural differences and brush up on the language of your destination. The group you're working with may have you begin correspondence with the family you'll be staying with.
5. Enjoy every minute of your trip. You will likely never have this opportunity again, so make the most of it. Take tons of pictures, email your family and friends often and go out and explore your temporary home. You will learn so much and the experiences and memories you have there will last a lifetime.
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