My Exchange Tips - Avery Wolff

This is my friend Avery’s advice for exchange. She is also from Houston, Texas and is living in Meppel in the Netherlands. Enjoy!!

My Exchange Tips

From Avery Wolff

Don’t rush it!

When you first get to your country, you’re going to want to see everything as soon as possible. You have an entire year for sight-seeing. Whatever you are looking to see or do will still be there in 1 or 6 months. I recommend using those first 3-4 weeks really settling in. If your host family offers or asks you join them for some touring, go for it! Try to avoid overwhelming yourself in the beginning though, get to know your family and town. Settle into school and reach out to make some new friendships. Rotary and your family will take you on tons of trips, but it’s also fun to go with friends, both Youth Exchange students and locals!

Don’t compare to your Host Country!

It’s going to be different. No doubt. I myself went to a westernized country, and yet even the little differences caught me off guard. The food is great, but the portions are smaller, it was a crazy concept moving from Texas to Europe. The school structure is very different then at home, but that doesn’t make it bad, it just means it’s going to be an adjustment! The second you get off that plane, it won’t be the same. You will be talking about home constantly for at least a week, it’s a huge transition. Remember that this is a big world! Embrace the differences and don’t be scared to share your own traditions!

You’re going to feel lonely.

This is not easy. You are leaving behind the life you know and creating a new chapter all on your own. Of course, you will have your host family, friends, and rotary counselors. Use those outlets, create and embrace this new support group. Remember you worked so hard to get here! Sometimes when really miss home I think of all the cool stories I will get to tell when I’m back! Bring snacks from home and a comforting item when you’re packing and bring some more snacks to share ;). When you feel you’ve hit a wall and can’t do it anymore just know you have so many people supporting and rooting for you. The loneliness is temporary, but the memories are eternal.

Put real effort into learning the language.

I ended up in a country where 98% of the population speaks English. Some people don’t even make the effort of speaking to me in Dutch (The language I’m learning), they rather just use English. Don’t be scared to tell them you are learning the language and would prefer to not speak English. Most will be very understanding! You will learn far more from just everyday life and listening then you ever would from an app or book.

Save save save!

Of course, you must pay for the actual exchange, but don’t stop saving there! You are going to want spending money. Money for food, clothes, phone bills, transportation, and any emergency expenses. I saved a bunch of money through work and asked for “exchange funds” for birthday and graduation gifts. On top of all that, your rotary will give you a monthly allowance. I save that money for train tickets and emergency expenses.

Doctors’ Visits

You will most likely get sick at least once on your exchange. Don’t be scared to ask to see a doctor. If you do, save the visit receipts. I send mine into my rotary or save them for my insurance back home so I can get reimbursed. If you have a pre-existing condition, notify your host family right away, they can help with prescription refills and scheduling.

FUN TIPS

• Create an exchange year playlist! Start it with the songs you like when you arrive, then continue adding them through the year. Mix it up! Add songs from your country as well as ones from home!

• Don’t be scared to have fun! Be cautious of the rules but seriously, enjoy yourself.

• Go to a concert!! I saw a grentperez concert with a YE friend, one of the best nights of my exchange!!

• If you have other exchange students in your town or district, meet up with them and create a fun tradition. Mine is every time one of us switch host families, we go out to eat a nice dinner.

• Buy pins anywhere! Whether I’m doing a rotary event or hanging out in a new place with friends, I pick up a pin for my blazer. Sometimes I write the location and date on the back of it.

• Be Yourself. I know everyone says that all the time but its seriously true. I spent too much time trying to change my fashion and personality to fit in with the kids here. I realized that they appreciate me being and dressing a little different. They will always make fun of you when you wear sweatpants outside of the house ☺