How to Survive the First Month as an Exchange Student
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 พ.ค. 2021
- Hey guys,
after one of you suggested it to me I decided to make this video all about how to survive the first month as an exchange student. Throughout the video will let you know how to get along with your host family, how to make friends, how to get through school and church and how to deal with homesickness.
I hope that I can help some of you out.
Lots of love,
Laura
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As a person who is looking for a new job where I can help others, helping exchange students find a school and family will be a new challenge. I have always thought about fostering kids but chose to foster dogs instead. Now is time for me to step up my game and help humans find a new experience when it comes to their education and culture.
That sounds amazing! I’m a student in Greece who is dying to go on an exchange year in the U.S. but I don’t know any good programs
THIS IS SO REAL YOU HIT THE SPOT WITH THIS ONE
I myself will be going on an exchange to France this September. This video really helped my nerves! I'll admit i've been binge watching exchange videos ever since i found out i got into the program! Thank you!
and i have been watching before i even applied
hi! how did you apply?
Thank u so much ! These tips help me a lot and I'll use them when i go there ❤😊
Thank you so much for letting me know. It makes me so happy when I find out that somebody actually feels like my tips are useful to them. That's why I do it. If there is ever a video you would like to see me do or a topic you would like my advice on, don't hesitate to let me know!
This was super helpful, thank you so so much!!
Thank you for taking the time out of your day to watch! It means so much to me to know that I can help someone out. If you ever wanna see me speak on a topic or answer any questions, please do not hesitate to let me know!
This is soooo helpful. Thank you so much for your videos!
Thank you so much! That means so much to hear. Is there anything else you would like to hear me talk about in more deatail? Like school, storytimes etc.?
@@honey27003 I'd be interested literally in everything 🙂 But maybe you could cover such themes as pocket money (how much a student needs to take with him/her), about bullying (hopefully not personal experience, but maybe you've heard something)...
@@viktorialn.3142 That´s such a good idea. I´ll definitely make videos on those soon
Hi Laura,
I loved this video! I was never a foreign exchange student myself, but I have hosted two as a host parent. Including one from Germany! I found your advice excellent. I've shared my own thoughts from the host parents perspective in another comment below, which I thought might be helpful as well. I found some of your advice something I never heard about from either of my kids, but makes perfect sense. I'm sure this will be helpful to so many future exchange students. I wish I could have watched this video before I had either of them! Keep up the good work. I've no doubt it truly does help others.
Thank you that honestly means so much to me! I hope my words can help someone out. I watched a lot of these videos before I became an exchange student and they were super helpful so I´m just trying to pass my experience along
are there any things you think could be useful for future exchange students to know? Anything one of your students might have had issues with or wasn´t aware of?
@@honey27003 I tried my best to put my thoughts into the comment I left for someone below that was just heading out. I just thought it would be nice to have the host parents perspective. You have more relevant advice to the students, but I thought it would be important to give the parents view. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have so feel free to ask. Probably something you didn't really think about before you left. And most students probably don't.
I will add that while I always had the utmost respect for you young adults that wanted this adventure, I had even more for your parents. When I had my students, they knew almost nothing about me or where they were going to be (other than the city), while I knew everything about them. I don't know if that's still the same way now or not. And my kids could only talk to their home parents once a month (which I understood). But social media wasn't was it was today so it sounds like it's different now. It's why your advice to not talk to your friends and family too much was such great advice. Immersion is the key to getting the most out of your experience abroad. Personally I will say that I kept in constant contact with the home family parents via email. To let them know how their child was doing. I can't imagine how only hearing from your child once a month must have been like. It's why I talked to them regularly. It takes a special person to want to do what you did, but it also takes a special parent to agree to it. I'm sure you had that conversation with your parents before you did it. But it takes age to truly appreciate what they agreed to. I'm not sure I could have done it, so everyone should thank their parents for agreeing to let them have this experience. It is not easy, but it is right.
And as host parents we were told about homesickness, which you talked about as well. We were warned to expect it too which we understood of course. Every student goes through that. I don't know if you talked about it with your host parents or not, but I can tell you neither of my students ever brought it up. Even though I know they were going through it. It's one of those weird things as a host parent that you guys never think about probably. I'm not sure what I could have done to make it easier, but I would have tried if asked. Even if it meant just sending an email to your parents with everything you wanted to say and letting you know I did. I suspect that would have helped some, but I would have done a lot more if I was asked. And that's kind of my point in all this. Host parents get as much as they give with you guys. Yes, they open their home and their hearts to you, but they get more back than they give. It's why we do this. As I said below, we're still parents even though we aren't your home parents. We feel an obligation to take care of you just like they would as best we can. And we take that obligation seriously. But we also want you to get as much out of the experience as you can. It's why your advice is so perfect. Get involved in school activities. Never say no to an offer to do something. It's never a bad idea. It may not work out, but it's always a good idea. Some of your advice (like making friends with someone with a car) I never thought of is just brilliant. I never had a problem driving either of my kids around, but I wasn't always able to. I never thought about that. It's good advice.
There's so much you talked about that my kids never talked to me about that I would have absolutely loved to hear. So my advice is to share with your host parents as much as you're comfortable with. Again, we're having an experience too. The more you share, the more each of us get out of it.
And tell your home parents how much you appreciate them letting you have this opportunity. It wasn't easy for them.
And finally, know that it's as hard on your host parents to say goodbye as it is for you. We come to love you guys. I know that my first student I went to visit in Germany within a month after he left because I just couldn't take it. And got to meet his family as well. I did the same with my second. That's just me, but I suspect it's pretty common with host families. I don't know if you know Matthew McConaughey the actor or not. I heard him interviewed one time where he talked about flying to Australia after he was famous to spend Christmas with his former host family when he was an exchange student, because he's still so close to them. This is one of the reasons host parents do this.
Not to make this all about the host parents, but just to say that we get a lot out of your experience as well. So don't forget that as you're there. We're here for you, but we still have a responsibility as parents. If we say crap you don't like, know that we're trying to do the right thing. Just like your parents at home would do. And we take that responsibility seriously. To your parents at home.
So anyway, more than you probably wanted, but feel free to ask any questions you might have and I'll be happy to answer them from the host parents perspective!
@@nickbrasing8786 No, thank you for this elaborate answer! It actually transported me right back. I really do appreciate the sacrifice my parents made when they gave me up to strangers´ arms for close to a year. I realized then that this decision caused them a lot of pain but the older I get the more I realize just how much I asked of them. Homesickness is a weird thing. I think most students would love to share their feelings with their host parents but when it comes to homesickness it is weird. It is just something that almost mutes you. A pain like no other. And you don´t want to seem ungrateful so you usually keep quit and don´t share it with your host family. The e-mails you mentioned is actually an amazing idea. I think that is a great way of making the birth parents feel more comfortable and a nice way to keep in touch. I guess the last thing I want to say is that I am really glad that people like you decide to host. Not every student is as lucky to have someone like you who truly cares for them and loves them. It can really make or break a year (and a person actually). So thank you so much (although words will never be enough)
@@honey27003 And thank you for that Laura.
I think with age many things come into perspective, like what your parents gave up. It's not something you can explain to a teenager usually. The whole homesickness thing I want to say I understand, but know in my heart I can never fully understand. I don't know what I would have said honestly if it had been brought up, but I can say that I would have done what I could. And what I thought was best. It truly is a personal experience you can really only discuss with your other exchange students. And I think when you guys are going through it, it's pretty early and you're not all that comfortable with your host parent yet. Which I get. I guess there's not a good answer. For what that's worth. But we truly do want to help. At least most of us I think. But I get your feelings and they make complete sense to me. Just one of those things you have to go through maybe? You would know better than me.
I will say that AFS (the organization I went through) did a good job of interviewing host parents and preparing them for what to expect. I know they did the same on your end.
I think the key to having a good experience is choosing the right students doing it for the right reasons, and the right host parents doing it for the right reasons. You do those two things and you'll both have a great experience. I know that doesn't always happen. But usually it does.
And I guess the last thing I want to say to you (and people like you) is thank you for what you are doing for young people who are just getting ready to go through what you went through. Just like they were helpful to you, you are helpful to them. I just thought a host parents perspective might provide a little more detail to the expectations. Again, feel free to share, or ask any questions you may have.
I'm leaving 2 France for 6 months in 10 days! I really needed this video. Thnx! Salut!
I am so glad I was able to help you out! This is exactly why I am making these videos! I am sure France is going to be amazing. Which is your home country? And are there any other videos I could make to help you out or questions you have?
@@Abcd-jz4gp It was amazing, a chance of a lifetime. My host family was so kind to me and I traveled in and around France when I wasn't at school. I would recommend going on an exchange for anyone who is able to. The trip changed many of my outlooks on life, and France has a culture not too different from my own. It makes me really excited to go and visit places that are super different from what I know.
Hey I love your video!! Thank you for making this, could you make a video about the negative parts if you want to?
Thank you so much! Yes, definitely! Good idea!
thank u so much for this video!!!!! I am going to study for a year in Orlando, FL in 3 months :)
How did it go
Informative viudeo.
Hi Laura! I’m going on an exchange in a month to germany, and I was wondering if you had any tips! Like about the culture, making friends, clothing, or anything you might find useful
hey, im german, just be open about new people and things :)
Im sure many people are interested in you and will ask many questions about your nationality and your life / interests and stuff like that! tip: try german beer and bread hahah
I’m sure you’ll have an amazing year🤍
@@luisa16704 thank you so much! ❤️❤️
@@luciadominguez2444 ur welcome :)
Do you have any more questions, feel free to ask🤍I’m doing an exchange yeat myself in 4 weeks and I’m also very excited AHHH
@@luisa16704 really? Where are you going to?
I have added a video about German culture and exchange student tips for people coming to Germany to my list so keep your eyes peeled for that one. I hope I can film it soon. Definitely an interesting idea for me to flip the switch and look at my own culture from an exchange student's perspective. Great idea! Thank you so much!
This video is very helpful! Thank you I needed this :)
Aww that means so much to me" Thank you! Are you going to be an exchange student soon?
@@honey27003 Yes this summer I will be leaving! 2021-2022 I don't have my placement yet
@@lottekersten3078 do you know which country to go to yet?
@@honey27003 Uhm I don’t have my host family yet but I am going to the US
@@lottekersten3078 That´s totally normal. I actually got my hostfamily the day before I left. That was a bit stressful but I´m sure you´ll get yours soon.
Wow, I have commented on one of your other videos, but you rarely find such a self-actualized person in someone so young. You are very perceptive.
You are going to have a very successful life, if you’re as mature as you seem on camera. I believe you are.
Thank you so much! That is incredibly nice of you to say!!! It means a lot
Hey! I would be pretty happy if you could make a video about your struggles in the US. Ich werde fast ein Jahr in den USA verbringen und es wäre ganz nützlich nicht nur für mich sondern für andere Studenten auch, einige negativen Erfahrungen zu hören! Ich kann nicht mehr warten, mein Exchange Year zu beginnen!
Hey! Sehr gute Idee das werde ich definitiv machen! Gibt es da irgendwelche Fragen, die du definitiv beantwortet haben möchtest oder Dinge, über die ich definitiv sprechen sollte?
I‘m starting my exchange year in Texas next week! I’m so excited and kinda nervous atm :D
Amazing! Don´t worry I am sure you´re gonna have such a great time! Which area of Texas are you going to?
@@honey27003 thank you, I‘m pretty close to Denton, nearby Dallas:)) Where have you been in Texas?
@@3mma723 Oh wow that´s super close to where I stayed. My host family lives near Sherman
@@honey27003 So ein Zufall!! Hast du dich schnell dort eingelebt?:))
@@3mma723 I hosted two exchange students in Dallas (one also from Germany, so where are you from in Deutschland?), and you're going to love it! Get involved in school activities and be completely open and honest with your host parents. We are there to help in anyway we can. Know for sure that we get as much out of the experience as you do. It's just not as scary for us! We don't get tired of questions at all. If you have questions, ask questions. I remember my first exchange student sat down the first night in our house and went through a list of questions he had. It was perfect (though he had to be so tired!). The question I remember the most was "Should I call you mom and dad?". We both said to call us whatever he was comfortable with, it was up to him. I think most host parents are like that but not all for sure. He chose to call us mom and dad, but our second never did. And both were perfectly fine with us. Yours might be different so it's a good question to ask early if you know the answer.
Both of my exchange students also told me stories about the first time they dreamed in English, so you have that to look forward to! Evidently it's a big deal?
I will say that American food is also a big deal for foreign exchange students. Tell your host parents to take you to Snuffers restaurant. They'll know what you mean. It's a Dallas thing... Also maybe Burger Haus. I know it sounds German, but it's totally American and they have the best burgers ever. You won't forget it. I've been to Germany many times and I know my German foreign exchange student was all about bread. Bread is different in America, but you can buy the kind of bread you're used to, so all you probably need to do is ask. They'll likely get it for you. It's kind of what we call in America a "comfort food". We understand that.
So my advice would be to do everything you can. You will get out of this experience only what you put into it. The more you do, the more you'll get. And the more you'll carry those memories with you for the rest of your life. And I'm here to say that as a host parent myself we are here to help, and go through it with you. Remember that we get an experience too.
Also remember that we feel a responsibility to your parents back home to take care of you. So we'll still be parents. Like it or not. Sometimes you will like it, and sometimes you will not. Just like back home. We still have your best interests at heart. Always remember that. We take that seriously. But we're also here to make sure you get the best experience possible. So we're here to help too. Just talk to your host parents. They won't mind.
I just thought you might like a comment from a former host parent as well as former exchange students! I would guess that you get less from the host parent side so I thought I'd chime in (that's another American expression). I would have lots of other advice for living in Dallas if you're interested, so just ask if you want. I'm happy to help if I can.
Which organization are you going through?
Can you do a video on what to say and what not to say to your host family or other kids in your school
Hi! I am leaving soon! (I am not staying with a host family, i am gonna stay with my aunt, but i dont know her) i am so nervous for my year and your videos are really helpfull❤️ / nervous 15 year old😂
Hola;
que tal?, como van?,
Los mejores y más cordiales Saludos desde puente piedra, lima, Perú, ojalá que puedas venir en algún momento a mi país y que disfrutes mucho de todo por aquí, con la familia y los amigos,felicidades por tus vídeos...
Hey! I might be going to the USA an exchange. This may sound incredibly dumb, but what do I do when a bus comes to pick me up every morning? Are there seat plans, like do I sit somewhere specific or do I just have to act quick and sit somewhere? Thanks!
I moved to Spain last year with my parents but it’s so hard
heyy, i bumped into your video and i just needed to share a big doubt as an exchange. so, i am currently doing my exchange in the netherlands and i’ve been here for 2 months and a half now, with my host family i feel great but i just have problems finding friends at school. in my class i couldn’t really find people who share my same energy, we just don’t have that much connection and i don’t feel 100% myself. i just know that if i acted like myself they would treat me like kind of crazy or something??? as a consequence i can’t really open myself and i usually feel very lonely, but i can’t force connection with people when there’s none. so that’s so frustruating. in italy i was used to have such a nice time at school with my classmates but here it is so different. i even tried to change school because i met some girls from another school that are so nice and i feel so connected with. unfortunately that wasn’t possible so i just have to go on in this school…but what am i supposed to do?? thank u for reading💓
Hey, first of all I want you to know that you are not alone in this struggle. It took me a very long time to make friends as well, however, you will get there in the end you just have to trust the progress. My tips would be:
1) Be yourself because you will never form meaningful relationships with people if you are not. They won't think you are weird trust me there will be someone who accepts and loves you just as who you are.
2) Be really outgoing and reach out. Ask the person who looks the nicest to go bowling or to the movies. Be brave and make the first move. It's uncomfortable but it will help
3) Don't try to find a way out but make the most of the situation you are in
4) Communicate your feelings. Just go up to a potential friend and say: Hey, I really would like for us to be friends but I am kinds having trouble building this relationship. It will make you seem more approachable and relatable and trust me you can form friendships on that little bit of vulnerable honesty
I hope I was able to help you. You will get through this and you can always let me know if you need more help
Thank you for this video in English......but.....now that you have been back awhile....what was it like for you, when you got back to Germany? Family and friends the same, what about going back to school?...or did you feel like a visitor in your own home and city?
Hey :) That is actually such a good idea! I will make a video about this very soon because that is a very important topic that not everybody thinks about
@@honey27003 There is an old book called "You can never go home". It's about a young man going away for an extended period of time, and upon returning home, finds that not only has he changed, but everything he left behind has changed too. Life is never the same once you leave. After four years away in the army, home, friends and family were all different. To a teenager, 10 months is a significant portion of their life, to an older adult, 10 months is the blink of an eye.
Omg my worst fear is lunch time, is asking people if i can sit w them the best option? Bc imagine if they're mean
good tip for texas many schools here have library hours during lunch. if you ask really nicely you might be able to sit in the library for the first day. you may have to eat a bit less for lunch but many classes allow snacks now. so you can try to eat throughout the day. this depends on the school and teachers tho. so I would say if you don't know ask a teacher or staff member if it's aloud. they're usually pretty nice to new students. so long as you are respectful. oh and also most schools here don't have lockers anymore because kids were hiding things in them such as guns.
That is a good tip, however, I think it should be a last resource. It's super uncomfortable to find a table on the first day at lunch, however, it can be so helpful to find your lunch group really early on. I would advise you to either pick someone nice out in class and ask them if you can sit with them or to just choose a table spontaneously in the cafeteria. Once you mention you're an exchange student, most people will be super nice and include you in their table
Heyyy ich wollte schon immer ein Austauschjahr machen und war am überlegen ob ich im zweiten gymnasium semester für ein halbes jahr nach America in die high school gehen soll. Im Moment bin ich noch in der 7.klasse und komme bald in die 8. Ich habe englisch schon immer geliebt und kann auch eigentlich ganz gut englisch sprechen. Ich habe aber ein bischen angst das ich nicht weiss wie ich Leute ansprechen soll oder das ich ein Wort komisch ausspreche oder das ich mich irgentwie vor die klasse stellen muss und mich auf Englisch vorstellen soll. Muss ich mir darüber sorgen machen? Ps: deine videos motivieren mich sehr dieses Abenteuer ein zu gehen und eine neue Kultur besser kennen zu lernen!!!❤
Should i ask my host parents first before agreeing with somone who wants to take me to a party? Do i let them know my whereabout 24/7?
Hi :) I would say the short answer is that your host parents should know roughly where you are at all times but the answer is more complicated than that. I would like to go into more detail on this in an upcoming video so I can give you a much better answer :) Let me know if you have any other questions and I will include them in an upcoming exchange student Q&A as well
Hi ! I want to ask that what if in my religion we dont go to church ? And i winter want to go , is it okay or will the family dislike me
I will definitely also talk about this in a video. Generally, I would advise you to try it at least once to see if you like it. I would say during your exchange year going to church doesn't automatically mean that you believe in everything being said. It just shows that you are open to learn about a new culture in all of its ways. If its makes you feel completely uncomfortable after you have tried it once then talk to your host family. They won't hate you for it but its nicer and easier if you can share these experiences and that bonding time with them
Im thinking about staying a semester (5months) in Korea as an exchange student with my friends but we would have dorms instead of host families, not sure how harder it would be lol
Hi,
would you be going to school or university? Dorms can be tough if you have no privacy for months so make sure to choose the people you're going with wisely.
@@honey27003 it’s in high school, we don’t have much information about it yet but yeah it would only be 2 of my friends with me which im glad
16:42 as an asian..talking back to teachers or any other adults in general is death sentence
death sentence= a slap🦖
so interesting how different cultures handle it. And so important to know for an exchange student too
Hey Laura, ich gehe event. auch für ein Jahr nach Amerika. Ich frage mich ob die Jugendlichen und natürlich auch die Erwachsenen Whatsapp benutzen? Oder wie das alles mit Handyvertrag, Internet etc. läuft?
Hi Pauline,
sehr cool! Also die wenigsten benutzen Whatsapp. In den USA haben die meisten Handyverträge mit unlimitierten SMS, sodass sich alle einfach SMS schreiben. Ich habe es so gemacht, dass ich am ersten Tag mit meinem Gastvater zu Walmart gegangen bin und da kannst du dir relativ einfach SIM Karten kaufen, die du dann das Jahr über nutzen kannst. Aber hol dir definitiv auch so einen vertrag mit unlimitierten SMS
I will be 18 when I want to go is it still possible to join year 12 and a host family or am I too old?
Usually, the year after you finish school is the last year where you can do high school exchanges. Afterwards, there are other programs like volunteering or au pairs
hey i have a question, does it cost extra money to join one of the school teams like volleybal lol
Hey, generally I would say no. Of course you have to make sure you have the right equipment like shoes and general athletic wear. You should also consider the costs of stuff like tennis rackets etc. but that depends on the sport. I do know, however, that you usually have to pay a fee if you would like to play varsity (the best team) because they don´t want schools to "import" athletes through exchanges. Do you have a specific sport in mind?
@@honey27003 yeah i like volleyball:)
@@sashka7867 Oh awesome! That´s what I did during my exchange year. Are there any other topics you would like me to make a video about converning exchange years?
concerning*
@@honey27003 yeah that would be nice:)
3:10 Religious affirmation is something many people take seriously and church is not something i advise someone practicing Ramadan to casually indulge in
Does someone show u around. Like where ur school is and stuff?
Usually, they will get an older student to show you around the school on your first day :D You're host family will show you where the school is and around town
Hey. What town in TX did you live in?
Hi Demetri,
I am trying not to name the exact small town simply because I want to protect my host family's privacy. I lived close to Sherman TX
So Laura...what are you doing now that you have been back in Germany for 6 years?
Well I am about to finish my bachelor's degree and am actually currently studying abroad again only this time in the United Kingdom. I am planning on doing a master's degree after this as well :)
@@honey27003 Danke für ihre Antwort! Darf ich fragen was ihr Hauptfach ist?
@@balancedactguy Englisch und Politikwissenschaften :)
@@honey27003 Ach So!! Ich wünsche Ihnen Viel Glück!! Als ich Student war habe ich Mathematik studiert, aber ich habe eine Fremdsprache nebenbei studieren müssen. Wie Sie bemerken können, habe ich Deutsch gewählt! Tschüss!
@@balancedactguy Ihr Deutsch ist sehr gut!
wie bist du zu deinem Stipendium gekommen und was musstest du dafür tun? :)
Hey, mein Stipendium war das Parlamentarische Patenschafts Programm. Es ist ein mehrstufiges Verfahren. Zunächst schickst du ein Bewerbungsschreiben, dann wirst du eingeladen für einen Auswahl-Nachmittag (dafür würde ich deutsche und amerikanische Geschichte und Politik lernen) und dann hast du ein finales Gespräch mit einem Bundestagsabgeordneten.
@@honey27003 okay dankeschön :)
Your ,, English,, IS very good.!👍 Kein Akzent. L. G. Von Deutschland. Ich lebte einmal 20 Jahre in Canada
Dankeschön!! Ah Kanada ist bestimmt sehr schön da möchte ich auch unbedingt einmal hin
@@honey27003 why did you not go to college after a year in the US? Or did you choose a college in Germany over a college in the US?
@@thedmitryguy I choose to go to college in Germany because it is extremely cheap for us to get an education here. As semester only costs 300 euros and that includes public transportation and the entry to most museums etc. for free
Is sport really so important in the USA?
I would say so. Just because you spend up to 4 hours with your team every day which obviously makes it much easier to make friends. But if you´re not a sporty person then maybe try and join a club or an interactive class. Does that help?
@@honey27003 Yes. Thank you. I think when I'll go to America I am going to join a Club or something without Sport xD
@@joenak.6956 I think the most important thing is to be yourself and to show others who you are. I´m not worried for you. You will find friends in no time. When excactly are you planning to go to the US?
@@honey27003 I#m relieved that you think so. It's not like I am not sporty but I don't want to practise hard and for long.
I plant to go to the USA in one and a half year (2022/23)
@@joenak.6956 I would recommend that you choose PE (physical education) instead of athletics as athletics requires you to be part of 2 teams per year. I would look into getting a team manager position maybe. That way you are with the team but instead of working out a crazy amount you take care of uniforms and props.
Can you do a video talking about how was school when you got back to your country? Like what did you professors said, how long it took you to reintegrait?