Becoming an exchange student is one of the most enjoyable experiences you are ever going to have. It’s truly the chance of a lifetime, going to another country to learn, live with an international family and throw yourself inside their culture. Ready yourself for a new life style, because your clothes, meals and routine will likely be quite unique on foreign soil. Here are some tips that will help you through this amazing time in your life.
1. Remember that you'll be an ambassador. It doesn't matter what land you are from, your lifestyle and behavior will be seen as a representation of your region. You may be asked many questions about your country - the culture, administration, landscape, history and cultures. Be ready to give well-informed and precise answers.
2. Be sure and take important documents with you such as your medical health insurance card with contact info, immunization records, emergency information, passport, visa and copies of prescriptions for medications. You must be careful to go on a trip of this scale, so start making a list of essential documents that you need to take.
3. Talk together with your representative about what form of currency to use while in your host country. A lot of students now use debit or bank cards for their international purchases and to withdraw cash from automated teller machines. Not all countries have these types of conveniences however, therefore a lot of students still use traveler’s checks. Make sure you discuss all of these things with your parents so there are no misunderstandings.
4. Pack lightly. It’s a good idea to pack lightly for your trip. Airlines charge for additional luggage, so it’s good to know your limits there. Also, you can check into luggage forwarding, which basically means that a shipping company will forward your bags to your host country. Your luggage can arrive in a cost-efficient, safe manner to save you worry about airlines and other costs.
5. Be versatile. When you arrive on foreign soil, you will definitely see new places, eat completely new foods and have new experiences, a few of which may be overwhelming. Be flexible, if you can , always keeping in mind that your host family is there to guide and care for you when you're there.
Becoming a foreign exchange student can open doors of possibilities for you that you never experienced. For instance, you may become an exchange student in Italy, fall in love with the country, graduate and then contemplate moving to Italy for your college degree. As soon as your world gets larger, you recognize everything you can do, the places you can go and all that you are able to accomplish.
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