Relocation Education

It is very important to be prepared for your Youth Exchange experience by having an open mind and being ready for anything. This was one of the first lessons I learnt from the moment I turned my back to my parents and walked through the security check at Sydney airport. I felt nervous yet exhilarated. I fed off the excitement of other exchange students as we travelled from Sydney to New Zealand and then on to Los Angeles. It was during my final flight across the United States to New York after saying goodbye to the last exchange student, that I realised for the first time that I was alone.

The first stage of an exchange can be summed up in one world; overwhelming. If you haven't properly prepared yourself you are going to be in for some serious culture shock! I believe that to some degree your survival instincts will kick in and your guard will go up. It will all happen so fast that it will leave your head cloudy and you will feel emotionally exhausted. Your senses will be heightened to take in your surroundings. It is important during this time to adjust to your new time zone and schedule as quickly as possible. If you are over tired it is just going to make everything that much harder to deal with. Nothing will look the same. Nothing will smell the same, not even the air outside. Food will taste different; do not expect to have your parents’ home cooked meals that you have eaten every night of your life sitting at the dinner table. Make sure you surround yourself with as many things that make you feel comfortable as possible. It might sound odd but even smelling your clothes might put you at ease since they should still smell like they've come straight out of your closet.

Be open minded, friendly and stay true to yourself. Embrace everything and don’t compare it to home. ‘It will be easy’ said no one ever! You will learn quickly to trust your instincts and believe in yourself. An exchange is an experience that will allow you to challenge yourself, build character and overall it will allow you to understand who YOU are, so stay positive and enjoy every moment of it. You have the world at your fingertips...

Good luck! J

 

Anne Fox. 2008. Absolutely Intercultural. [ONLINE] Available at: <http://www.absolutely-intercultural.com/?p=116">http://www.absolutely-intercultural.com/?p=116</a></u>. [Accessed 31 October 12].