For teenagers from all over the world being an exchange student in the U.S. is both an overwhelming and exciting experience.
Exchange programs, like the one offered at Jenison High School, are becoming more and more popular every day. These programs offer students around the world the opportunity to experience life in the U.S.
Struggles and difficulties
The process and paperwork is not as easy as it seems. Yet, the experience can make you grow and mature in so many ways. But there are also times of struggle, homesickness, and confusion.
In addition, the journey to become an exchange student in the U.S. is like a rollercoaster of emotions. After months of preparation, students arrive to their host families´ homes. Then they have to adapt to a whole new and exciting culture.
“Football season is super fun, I could not believe I was actually living that.” said Rapha Lluch, a junior from Brazil.
Adapting and settling in
The first stage of the year is where students think everything is amazing like in the movies. This stage usually ends after the first month. Then, students realize that they are staying in America for a year and start feeling homesick. Everything is new to them and they start to miss their food, routines, family and friends.
“In my opinion the hardest part about this experience is being away from my family.” said Jimena Castro, a sophomore from Spain.
As time goes by, students get used to their lives here, which helps them stop missing home and get over homesickness. Students progressively start to settle in and have the time of their lives during their year abroad. start building friendships and making the most out of every moment they have in America. They try to experience things they don’t have in their home country while seeing the positive side of it.
“Everyday is an adventure to me, which is always dynamic.”said Yena Cho, a senior from South Korea.
Personal growth
As the school year gets to an end students realize they have grown and changed in so many ways. They are no longer the same person they were when they first arrived. For some of them this experience has helped them to reconsider which path they want to take in the future. Others are proud of the independence they have gained during the year and how they built a new life.
“An exchange year is not a year in life but a life in a year.” said Jimena, a sophomore from Spain.
An exchange year is a different adventure for every person. This experience expands students’ cultural knowledge and the way they see things.
Even though it can be hard at some points, “Try to make the most out of every moment because this experience is not going to come back.” said Rapha, a junior from Brazil. A year abroad is an amazing experience where you can learn a lot from both the hard and the fun parts.
