{"id":12190,"date":"2023-02-17T21:07:36","date_gmt":"2023-02-17T21:07:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.educatius.org\/?p=12190"},"modified":"2023-11-10T08:38:33","modified_gmt":"2023-11-10T08:38:33","slug":"3-top-tips-to-adjust-to-your-exchange-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.educatius.org\/blogs\/usa\/3-top-tips-to-adjust-to-your-exchange-program","title":{"rendered":"3 Top Tips to Adjust to Your Exchange Program."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

3 Top Tips to Adjust to Your Exchange Program<\/h1>

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3 Top Tips to Adjust to Your Exchange Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The opportunity to study high school abroad is the dream of teenagers around the world. Studying in a new country, to create bonds with new friends and family members will be something that shapes your life forever!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But studying abroad is about more than just academics. Living in a new culture, studying in a new language and immersing yourself in a foreign country\u2019s daily life is also a personal challenge. It\u2019s not something you experience passively, and there are 3 important things that our students advise future exchange students to be sure to practice \u2013 to make the most out of your new life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be a Joiner<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Schools in the USA, UK and Canada are famous for their extracurricular programs. So many choices are available! You might not be used to such activities in your home country, but it is essential that you participate in them on your high school program abroad. During classes you might not have a chance to interact much with your new classmates, but that\u2019s what after school clubs are all about. You\u2019ll easily meet and develop your skills or passion with students who have similar interest as you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And you\u2019ll have so much to chose from. Every school after school program is different, but certainly they\u2019ll have sports teams at a range of levels, visual arts (think photography, journalism, multimedia), performing arts (theater, dance, band), as well as diverse clubs like robotics, chess or social justice. You don\u2019t need to be an expert at your club\u2019s topic. Join for fun and you may learn you have a hidden talent. Join a few clubs and decide which one is right for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quynh from Vietnam advises: \u201cStudying in America is not what I expected before my study abroad year. It\u2019s harder than I used to think. I learned how to become a cheerleader. It\u2019s a sport and cheerleaders are athletic! Cheerleaders work really hard, every single moment. I know the exact meaning of teamwork and teammates when I joined cheer and tennis this year. We worked hard together and accomplished a lot together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask for Help<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve never had the experience of studying abroad before, so of course you\u2019ll have unexpected experiences \u2013 both wonderful and challenging. It\u2019s common for students to experience culture shock, experience some intercultural misunderstandings with their host families or roommates, or struggle with an academic system that is very different from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it\u2019s important to remember that there are people all around you who have experience in helping international students adjust! Your local coordinator or international coordinators at your school are great places to start \u2013 don\u2019t be shy about asking them for help. Sharing with them any difficulties you feel fitting in or if you are struggling with school is the first important step to helping you resolve your challenges. Chances are they\u2019ve helped students before experiencing exactly what you\u2019ve been through, and you should not feel alone! They might guide you to find a club that suits your personality or help you find a tutor who can get your over an academic challenge. And if you are feeling homesick or having trouble adjusting let your host family know, they will be there for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was homesick the first two months of this experience, but my host family always stayed by my side and tried to cheer me up. If I had bad moments, I always tried to talk to them and every single time they made sure I was doing some sort of activity like going to the mall or playing outside etc. They\u2019ve been one of the best parts of the journey. They\u2019re awesome, they always make me smile,\u201d shares Valeria from Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be afraid to try your English!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the major accomplishments you\u2019ll make during your exchange program is improving your English. People around you will understand that English is not your native language and won\u2019t expect you to be perfect. So, make sure your push yourself and don\u2019t be afraid to make mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it\u2019s very comforting at first, one of the worst things you can do is try to only interact with people who speak your same language or spend your all your free time chatting with old friends. Of course, this is tempting to do, but it will severely limit your English progress, and your ability to integrate with local and international students in your new home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen I first came here, I struggled with my English. But I learned so I could communicate better with my host family and friends,\u201d Kanokporn from Thailand notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even before you arrive, look for ways to improve your listening and speaking skills \u2013 just watching shows in English on Netflix or learning phrases on Tiktok is a great help, especially slang and casual speech. Being more confident in your English will help you connect with your host family and new friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Leonie from Germany suggests, \u201ctalk to people. I know it is scary at first but just put yourself out there. stop worrying about things! Everything will work out; you just have to trust in the process of life. I\u2019ve also learned that there are wonderful people wherever you go.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3 Top Tips to Adjust to Your Exchange Program The opportunity to study high school abroad is the dream of teenagers around the world. Studying in a new country, to create bonds with new friends and family members will be something that shapes your life forever! But studying abroad is about more than just academics. 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