Exchange: The World Awaits
By Madeleine Sorić
So it’s the time of year again that the year 10s are about to fly off to the other side of the world. Whether it’s Denmark, Germany, Finland, or wherever they're going, some lucky students at Uni High are about to go on an amazing adventure.
Last year I had the pleasure of going on exchange to Hamburg, Germany. It was the best term of my life. I made so many good friends, bonded with my exchange family, and fell in love with the city. Some of my fondest memories ever are on exchange. However, there are some things to watch out for, so here is a bunch of advice I have come up with for all of you going on exchange:
1. DO NOT SING THE GERMAN NATIONAL ANTHEM IN GERMANY!!!!!! - The first verse is actually illegal to sing as it is associated with Nazi Germany (also don't make any Holocaust / Nazi Germany jokes in Germany, but that’s a given).
2. Smoking and advertising - In Germany, I found there were a lot more people smoking than in Australia, and it wasn't frowned upon. There were also many advertisements for cigarettes online, on television and in public. If that is something that bothers you, here is your official warning.
3. Jaywalking - Unfortunately in European countries they do not take jaywalking as lightly as we do. In Germany hardly anyone did it and if they did, everyone glared at them, so to avoid embarrassment or even persecution, obey the traffic laws.
4. Right side of the road - Basically everyone else in the world drives on the right side and it takes a long time to get used to. I didn't get used to it until it was time to come home, and then I had to get used to being on the left again.
5. PACK ENOUGH CLOTHING!!!!! - I cannot express enough how hard it is to not repeat outfits. You’re going to do it unless you pack a large variety. Do this, or pack very little and go shopping for clothes in the country.
6. More packing in general - Anyone with a vagina, bring plenty of the pads / tampons you know you like, bring more money than you think you’ll need, bring more than one phone charger, bring many adapters, bring more than enough shoes, bring both casual and formal outfits, and bring A LOT of socks and underwear.
7. Language - If you’re going to a country where you are expected to speak the language all of the time, do not worry. You would be surprised to learn how much you can actually understand of a language you have been studying. Speaking, on the other hand, is very difficult. You may find you are uncomfortable or embarrassed to speak in a foreign language, but remember, you don't judge people speaking English as a second language, so why would they be judging you?!
8. School - If you’re in an English speaking country, you will be fine, if not this is the point for you. Try to participate in all you can. I found that music class was the easiest to partake in and I was actually able to enjoy it. English class was easy (of course) and any theatre / drama type classes are also great. If you like sport, that is easy to understand as well.
9. Homework - Many of you will receive A LOT of homework from school. Do not worry. Try and take it on bit by bit and do not let it stress you out. It is only to make sure you have the main ideas of the subject and that you will not be behind when you get back. It is not the end of the world if you do not complete it all.
10. Homesickness - You don't think it’ll happen, but it will. No matter how much you need a break from your family, or how much you hate your school, you will miss it. I missed my dog first, so if you have a pet, take lots of pictures. Skype the ones you love and stay in contact. Another thing to do is to talk to everyone who is also on exchange, as they will be in similar time zones.
11. Keep a diary - I kept a diary of every day I spent in Europe and it is the best decision I made. If you have nothing to write about, simply talk about your day, what you ate, who you saw. Write something for you to look back on.
12. Embarrassing situations - Sometimes embarrassing things happen, and you need your host family to help you out. This can be hard when you've only known the family for one month. In this scenario you just need to swallow your pride and tell your family your situation and ask for their help, they’ll probably be super supportive and helpful.
13. Entertainment - Bring a lot of it. I recommend Heathers, Heathers: the Musical, Bare the Musical and Taylor Swift as great entertainment for months of exchange but anything that you enjoy should be fine.
14. What to buy? - Buy your friends and family souvenirs, but also buy yourself some stuff. I recommend some tourist merchandise, movies, CDs and books in the language you are studying and clothing.
15. Make friends - Make friends with a lot of people, stay in contact with them. Make sure to become close with your host family and exchange partner, they may be the best people you ever meet.
16. If you follow my advice and make close friends, be prepared to part with them - Parting with my exchange partner was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do and you need to prepare to be ugly-crying in the middle of an airport on your partner’s shoulder for an hour. It’s not fun, but you will get through it.
17. Lastly, don't date on exchange - If you do, be prepared for it to end and do not expect it to continue as a long distance relationship. Enjoy the time you have together but do not expect it to continue. Trust me, I’ve been there.
I hope all of this can be helpful for anyone going on, or considering going on exchange. Have fun!