Has anyone been on student exchange in another country?

How hard is it to be a foreign exchange student?

• So, there's this girl in my art class from Germany, and I've always thought it would really really cool if I could be a foreign exchange student in another country for maybe half a year to a year. It would have to be an English speaking country, because I don't speak anything else fluently. It's just an idea - I haven't talked to my parents or anything about it yet. So I'm guessing it would be a lot of money, but like, approximately how much? And would anyone recommend doing this or not doing this? Help? Oh, and I'm a sophomore in high school.

• Answer:

  Hey. Im from New Zealand and just got back from doing a studnet exchange in Brazil... Being a student exchange isnt the easiest thing in the world, but it is sooooo rewarding. It was by far the best thing i ever did by going on this exchange. I have learnt so much and had such a great time there that i cant wait to be able to go back there someday. Im sure if you decide to do an exchange you will love it - here is some advice for you: if you are unsure about 1 year or 6 months - choose 6 months... every student i have met that chose 6 months always wanted to stay the whole year and a year goes REALLLY fast... (you can always go home earlier if you dont like it when you are on a 1 year exchange but if you choose 6 months you cant extend it! Go to http://www.afs.org to find out all the details about an AFS exchange (the largest exchange program in the world and the one i did) the cost depends on where you are going.... my trip from NZ to Brazil was $10,000NZD but you can apply for grants and loans and do fundraising.... it seems like so much but it really isnt - it is so worth it! good luck with it.... DO IT DO IT DO IT!!!! it will be the best decision of your life - it was the best thing i have ever done... if you want any more info contact me by emailing [email protected] if you want.... OOOOOHHHH by the way - i 100% recommend going to a country that DOESNT speak english - when i went to Brazil i didnt speak a word of portuguese and now i speak it fluently... it is so much more rewarding going somewhere that is completly different to your own country - i recommend Brazil -you would LOVE it..... Or if you really want to go to an english speaking country come to New Zealand :P and send me an email.... i might even be able to give you a tour of my country :) good luck with your decision..... Jaide