Tale #8: Studying Abroad

Hello and Welcome back. 

 

When I was a junior in high school, I wanted to study abroad in a foreign country to see their culture, learn a new language and meet new people while going to college. Unfortunately, I ended up changing my plans and ended up not going. I learned a lot when trying to become a foreign exchange student from knowing how much money is needed and all the shots/vaccines you must have before you go. Whether or not learning their native language is a requirement and how long you have to study the language before you are able to go. Although becoming an exchange student may seem extremely stressful and scary, the endless possibilities definitely outweigh those negative feelings. 

When deciding on traveling abroad, it is crucial to have three decisions made, where you're going to go, what you're going to study, and how long you will stay. When looking for what would be the best way to apply I found ASF-USA an organization that allows you to study abroad during high school, host a student, and become a volunteer. This particular website gives you  step by step help and even has answers to most asked questions.

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This website offers summer programs that range from 1-3 or 4-8  weeks in a country of your choice They provide the date, cost, and background information on what you would do if you were to go.        

 If you were to choose the summer global program in Argentina you would learn, taste, and try new and exciting things. The age range in this program ranges from 15-18 years old. This summer project would be a great way to embark on a new adventure and see if you would want to return and try the semester/year-long program. 

If you will be studying during high school you can choose from a variety of programs. This section even adds the duration of time you will be there, how much it will cost you and even offers scholarships. Each location requires different elements to ensure eligibility. When studying abroad you must be able to fully understand the background of the place you will be residing in. Each culture has different views and they must be respectfully followed. If you are going to study abroad you must learn how to adapt whether your going to Thailand and learning how you properly greet people by using WAI (pressing your hands together to bow) or needing to be punctual in Germany in order to catch trains. Each of these programs gives a detailed description of what to know/learn before you go your hosted family. 

If I were to submit an application, I would choose either going to Serbia and or Latvia. I would choose the year long high school programs. They both require a 2.5 GPA, range from 15-18 years old.

Both eat a lot of meat and are very family oriented. In Serbia hospitality is a huge aspect, I would have

to bring gifts or flowers when meeting people for the first time. 

( The cost and dates for Serbia ->)

In Serbia their schools have  two shifts that are 8am-2pm and 2pm-8pm and uniforms are required. In Latvia I would have to learn both Russian and Latvian due to there being so much Russian influence on this country. I would more likely live host grandparents as it is very common for the elderly to live with their children. Latvains sing and dance. If I had to choose one place it would be Latvia only because they speak two languages and it would make me step outside my comfort zone by having to choral sing and dance to folk songs. I like the concept of living with older generations because they can give you advice and pass on traditions you can take home with you. I believe that this would also be beneficial as they would help you with the pronunciation and allow you have a "study buddy" when having to practice more. By immersing myself into an entirely different country it will make you grow and learn more about yourself and others.

Immersing yourself in an entirely different country, it will make you grow as a person.

Either program would be an immense honor and privilege to participate in and for these reasons I believe that people should give studying abroad a chance. 

Until next time, Enjoy.