Friday, January 14, 2011
Any tips or advice for a future exchange student?
Any tips or advice for a future exchange student?
I'm from Colombia and I'm going to the states next year. I'm going to stay with a host family, but I'm really nervous because some of my friends had have some bad experiences...
Studying Abroad - 1 Answers
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Can you find out anything about your host family ahead of time? Do they have a son or daughter who will be in your class? Have they actually asked to have an exchange student living with them, or have they been required to accept one in return for having one of their children study abroad? A cousin of mine was in this last situation when she was an exchange student, and the people who were supposed to be her away-from-home parents mostly ignored her. On the other hand, one of my high school classmates spent a summer in another country and came home talking about the family she had stayed with as if they were her relatives. In any case, won't there be a contact person associated with the agency that's arranging for you to go--someone you can get in touch with in the town where you're going? If you're really unhappy in the host home (and I don't mean just homesick!), you can probably arrange to be moved. An exchange student at my high school one year moved just a couple of months after he started school. But let's assume that the family you'll be staying with is enthusiastic about having you. Just try to adapt to their way of doing things, especially their schedule and whatever rules they have for their own teenagers. In general, don't talk abut the way things are done in Colombia unless someone asks or you need to explain your lack of familiarity with some American practice. Don't be afraid to ask quesions like "Is it OK to do this?" And if people ask what seem to be stupid questions about your country, assume that they're honestly seeking information, unless they're really offensive. (If someone asks about the drug trade in Colombia just tell him, truthfully, I think, that the major drug exported from there is caffeine.) If someone asks you something you don't want to answer, you ca always forget your English until he gives up. If soemone tries to pressure you into doing something you don't want to do or think is wrong and tries to tell you, "Everyone does it here" or "This is the way they do it here," just stand your ground and say something like, "Well, I don't!" Since one reason you'll be here is to learn about American culture, your class schedule will probably include American Literature and American History. You probably won't take Spanish, since you'll be at least as proficient as the teacher, but you may be asked to speak to a Spanish class. Other than that, you'll have some choice about the subjects you take. It would also be a good idea to get involved in a few extra-curricular activities that interest you. Think positively! I think most people you meet will try to make sure you like it here. By the way, your English is excellent.
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