Has anyone been on student exchange in another country?

Foreign Exchange Student Questions?

• This might be a little bit long.. but please read because I really need to know these things: So, I mentioned to my family a couple months ago that it would be fun to be a foreign exchange student because I like adventures and things like that. I also think it would be really cool to learn people's cultures that aren't the same as mine. So, today my dad mentioned that he has been checking on things and he thinks I might be able to go this summer as a foreign exchange student to Austrailia or France (those are the only ones they offer right now) and if we could afford it... he would be happy to let me go. However, my mom seems totally against it. I know she is sort of worried about me going over seas by myself but she also said it is because she has a lot of questions. So, if anyone can answer these questions that knows a lot about foreign exchange students or was one themselves, please do :) 1. Are the families checked and will I know who they are before I get there? 2. Do they pick me up from the airport or do I have to find my way around the country to get to them? 3. What if I want to quit half way through? (I highly doubt this will happen but I mean like if I get really sick or I NEED to go home). 4. Do I have to do everything the family does or can I do somethngs on my own? 5. Does the family provide me with all three meals in the day and some money? 6. Is this program really safe? Thank you so much :)

• Answer:

  If you are not comfortable then don't go. You may be too young. Personally, I would wait till I was a little older. You can always do a semester abroad once you get to college and are more mature and more sure of yourself. You could go as a class or a group from your own college. I think thats safer and its easier to adjust in a new country when you have your friends. I went abroad at 22 and was so scared I almost peed in my pants. Kidding. But it was daunting and overwhelming. Good luck.