Has anyone been an exchange student or know anyone who has been one?

i think its a great idea. its definately a once in a lifetime chance. last year my family hosted an exchange student from Brazil for 10 months. it was the best experience ever. i am 16 and we got really close like sisters. its like you get to have another family. me and her talk every week and email almost every day. it was really hard for my entire family when she left. but overall it was a wonderful experience. she learned a lot about american culture, and we learned alot about brazil and their customs. all in all though being an exchange student seems like there would be more pluses than negative experiences. and i would definately suggest going for more than one semester. becasue at one seemester my exchange student was just getting close to freinds and she mentioned more than once that one semester wouldnt be enough. anway i think you should go for it and if you have any questions email me at [email protected] and i would love to answer any of your questions best of luck

Ok i am Russian truelly and i know 4 languages including: english still learning if you want to be in a future ambassador this helps alot and you can make alot money$$$ i am 15 also i will be embassador)))))))))

Hey there, I was an exchange student to Japan in the summer of 04' and didn't speak any Japanese, nor did my family speak much English, but neither the less it was a great experience. I learned so much and had so much fun that i would do it over and over and over again. I was 17 when i went and also went in the summer for a short program, strangely enough i was on vacation at home but the second day i was there i was already in school and was in school until i left, but that was way more fun then just staying at home. if you have an interest in traveling the world and can tolerate other cultures i say go for it, it is totally worth it! YFU will really take care of you with all of your needs. You don't have to speak the language of the country you go to (unless it's stated as such) if you don't speak their language they will give you a family who speaks English, and of course teach you some of the language. It is an experience of a life time!

Hi, I was an exchange student. I couldn't speak a word of Japanese but had a great time anyway! :) Most of the students who go on exchange programs are not able to speak the language in the host country (of course speaking it will make the exchange easier but don't worry, you should be doing quite well after a year!). I think England is a good choice because you're familiar with English and it is possible for you to get credits. If you go to Italy for example, your Italian would be very poor (certainly not high school standard) and therefore wouldn't really be taking classes . This means you would have to repeat a year in the US. Being an exchange student isn't always nice- there will be good and bad times but it's something I would recommend to anyone who's interested in exploring the world! I suggest you go for one year because this allows you to experience independance and a whole new culture properly. A year is also enough for you to go through the whole range of emotions one feels when living abroad (if you go for a semester, it's only oh, fun! i love this country!) . Rotary International Youth Exchange is reputable and inexpensive (subsidised). AFS is also good but if I'm not wrong, they charge something like $16 000 for the UK program! Have fun:) It'll be the most exciting (also probably the most iritating and fun) year of your teenage life.

If you can handle a year away from home, you would return to the US speaking another language if you are immersed in Spanish, French, or German. You would probably have to be enrolled in a year of high school language. I think it is admirable that you desire to widen your horizons by learning about another culture. England, New Zealand or Australia would be good choices. Check out American Field Service (AFS) to learn more. The UK is very much like America - you will find it enriching regardless of where you choose. Make sure that you are completely honest when completing your application and interview. Once placed, be trustworthy, help around the house, be polite, and be flexible with your host family. The "slight" differences in culture may be a struggle for you, but remember it is about growing up and widening your horizons. We have had 2 different students during high school. They had Spanish or French native tongue before coming, and left here speaking much better English than when they arrived. They are still part of our family even though we may not have seen them in many years now.