Foreign Exchange student
 

My daughter is considering a year abroad as a foreign exchange student with Rotary International. She was interested in Germany but does not meet the language requirements. The same is true for France and Spain. So now she is really lost as to where she would like to go. As I have never travelled anywhere in Europe or Asia, I can't provide any insight.

Some of the countries she has shown some interest in include Japan, Czech Republic, and Austria. Yet she is totally open to options at this point.

Does anyone have any experience either as an exchange student or the parent of an exchange student? Or any recommendations for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?

How about somewhere in the UK? It's different enough to be interesting but there is no language problem (or, not much, anyway!).

Or the Netherlands? My daughter is considering spending a semester there in her junior year of college. English is widely spoken.

For most countries (with the exception of those I mentioned), she would not be required to know the language before going. Through immersion most kids sufficiently learn the language in approx 3 months. So she does not have to limit herself to countries where English is prevalent, though of course it may make it easier for her.

I think she wants something even more different than the UK.....the Netherlands is certainly worth exploring. Thanks for that suggestion.

Anyone else? By the way she will still be in high school, just over age 16, when she goes.

Hi C,

Which countries does she qualify for?

((I))

I'm glad that you are allowing her this opportunity. I did three summers abroad with various universities and consider myself very fortunate for having these experiences.

Do you have any specific questions?

Moldy I love your screen name!

There are over 50 countries available but some- like the oft-requested France and Spain- limit it to students who have at least 2 - 3 years of the language. A few have age limits so they aren't an option. The South American countries were described as more 'wild' and so aren't as appealing to her. I want her to choose a country where I can feel relatively secure about her safety.

I guess I'm just looking for any insight as to what country's customs, culture, lifestyle, schooling, tourism, history, etc would provide the best overall experience. Any suggestions are welcome- as is any advice as to how to research the best place for a student vs for a traveler.

Given that she doesn't already have a language to use, it really doesn't make too much difference which country she chooses so long as she's flexible and willing to enjoy the experience that's provided. The biggest factor isn't really the country (assuming that we're talking about Europe) but the sort of community she ends up in: rural town/farm vs medium sized town vs large city, and she may or may not have much say so in that decision.

Given that she was considering Germany she'd probably find the Netherlands, Belgium, or Denmark (or another Scandinavian country) to her liking.

Italy's very cool as well if she wants to go with southern Europe.

See whether your daughter would be interested in Grenoble, France. There's a large contingent of international students there.

Hi C,

I would choose, in this order:

Italy: For something entirely different
Netherlands: Lovely, warm, welcoming people
Denmark: Same as above, although learning to speak Danish will be an accomplishment :)
UK: Two countries divided by a common language

((I))

There's a world outside of North America and Europe. English is quite widely spoken in Australia and New Zealand, for instance.

I went to Brazil for a year on the Rotary Exchange program back in the 1980s, out of all the exchange programs, I think Rotary is by far the best and best-managed in terms of care and support for students, and I've met many kids who've gone over through different programs.

I studied German for 2 years in high school, and yet I was still sent to Brazil, which speaks Portuguese. The point is, depending on what district you're going out of, you may have no say whatsoever in where you go, regardless of what language you've studied.

The kids I knew that had the greatest difficulties went to Japan -- and I think it's because it's such a HUGE leap in culture and language. The kids who went to Australia seemed to have the best time, considering there's no language barrier to speak of, I was not surprised.

Wherever she goes (assuming she's been chosen), I would wholeheartedly support her going. It changed my life in a big way -- and for the better, and I don't know a single exchange student from my days overseas who regrets their experience either.

If you have any other questions, feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] and I can try and help more.

Julie in Denver aka Jules

Just to clarify- there is a list of countries (30-50 maybe) from which she can choose. New Zealand and Australia are no longer available. Middle East countries are not an option. she is not sent to a country based on the language she has studied. But some countries do have specific requirements such as language or age. We've heard there is a very good chance of getting her first choice or at least her second choice. But she only selects the country- she could be sent to a city or a more rural area. Wherever there is a participating Rotary club and host families.

Thank you all for your recommendations and comments. Any and all advice is welcome!

As a teacher of students from all around the world at a high school in Italy many of whom do not speak the language, I would NOT really suggest Italy or any other country that poses a language barrier to a young woman of 16 who has never been away from home for an extended period before (as I gather is the case).

While it is indeed a wonderful opportunity, and I do endorse the Rotary programme without hesitation, you are asking a lot in terms of adjustment of a very young person.

I woud strongly advise that you encourage your daughter to explore those countries that speak the same language: both the UK and Australia will provide her with the cultural differences that make such a venture meaningful to youth without the added stress of trying to manage a full school year in a language not her own before she has shown any evidence of her abilities in a second language.

I have held the hand of miserable teens who are in over their heads and far away from home too many times to want to see your daughter in this position. Let the first time be different enough, but not a brutal immersion in an incomprehensible world.If this goes well, then she will develop an appetite for this kind of study/travel and take on the language barriers of any country.

My daughter did the Rotary exchange in Finland. They speak fluent english. She had a fantastic time and went back the next year by herself. The family that she stayed with came to her graduation and we went to their daughters last June. I will be glad to answer any other questions that she or you may have. I can also put you in touch with my daughter who is attending college in England.

While I respect what LJ said -- I do think that it largely depends on your daughter's ability to adapt and learn.

I knew some kids who struggled to learn Portuguese when I was an exchange student in Brazil, others who mastered it quickly, and people like me that had to have it spoon-fed to them and learn by making the usual blunders.

It depends on your daughter's maturity, but I wouldn't send her to an English-only country just to avoid her struggling or having to learn a language the "hard way" through immersion. Personally, the day I stood on a hill two months into my year crying over homesickness was the day I grew up and realized I had 10 more months to go and I'd better make the best of it. Mom wasn't there to say it to me, I did it myself. Sometimes a foreign country can make a kid realize that THEY have the inner strength to learn and grow, even when it's hard.

I would double-check as to how much "choice" you really have. I think sometimes they give you a wish list -- and at first make it sound like you can make your own selection -- but in reality that may not be the case -- unless things have drastically changed since I did it. My FIL is a Rotarian involved in the program, and I don't think it's changed in that regard, but I do know it varies from district to district as well.

Happy travels,

Jules

I spent my junior year of college in Edinburgh, Scotland. I can tell you that their English was like a different language at first because the accent of the people I met at the airport, in the taxi, in the dorm was so different that I couldn't understand it at all! Good intro to a foreign country!!! No matter where your daughter goes, it will be a wonderful experience and she will gain a true sense of independence. Even if she goes to an English-speaking country, the culture will be different, the experiences will be amazing and whe will meet people of all sorts and be able to learn to travel on her own. For me, by being able to concentrate on my classes easily instead of focusing on learning the language, I could enjoy the other aspects of the culture and life abroad more fully.

I'm sure that learning a language by Immersion would be a whole different experience if the learning of a foreign language is of more importance to her. I think it depends on the goal of the experience - cultural or language-oriented?

From another perspective, I place French exchange students in families for 3 weeks in the summer. All are supposed to speak English, but the ones who can't speak it as well generally take a bit longer to warm up to the families since they can't carry on a conversation. These kids tend to try to spend time with other French kids because it doesn't require as much effort. They don't always get as much out of the experience when this happens. (Of course, there are also some who speak English well and don't make the attempt to speak anyway so it does depend on personality as well.) It is easier on the host families when the exchange student speaks the language - at least a little - the initial bonding is very important and the kids in the host family can be impatient, as any kids can be. If your daughter speaks the language and is outgoing, I'm sure there wouldn't be problem. If she has started another language at school, at least have her go to a country in which that language is spoken to give her a head start.

My recommendation - anywhere where she can communicate with her host family. Homesickness sets in most quickly when the exchange student is lonely. If she goes to Europe, I think the schools have good length vacations so she can get some independent travelling in (and maybe mom and dad can visit her once during the year!!!)

ttt

Well, we had to submit the final application last week, including her country preferences so she chose, in order, Italy, Netherlands, Japan, Czech Republic and Venezuela. The app indicated that she must be willing to accept any of the 5 choices. The Rotary rep had previously told us that, in the past, many have received their first choice and almost all were placed in one of their top three choices.

In a few weeks we have district level interviews and shortly after that she will know if she has been selected to go. But if she is selected, she won't know which country until early January.

Thanks for update: keep us posted. I wish you and your daughter the very best of luck in getting her first choice(s) and the wisdom to make the experience great, even if she doesn't...judging by her parent's thoughtful and thorough approach, I doubt this will be a challenge for her!

Dear crest:

I have had several friends host Rotary students, and have had friends send their children out on this exchange. A friend's son went to Bolivia and had a great experience: he had a great host family. Her daughter went to Italy and the experience was so-so: the host brother was a real brat. Others have been to Argentina & Finland, which they thought was great. I think it depends on the kid and the host family. I do know in S. America, the host families are usually more affluent. Our friend's son had maids and housekeepers in Bolivia.

MY

My brother and his wife had a maid when they lived in El Salvador on a Peace Corps salary, and they sure weren't affluent. Having a maid in a country like that doesn't mean you're affluent. They were poorer there than I'd call middle class in the US.

My 16 yo daughter (from Australia) completed a 6 month exchange to France last year and I agree with earlier posts that immersion can be brutal and the experience is dependent on a lot of luck with respect to family and school. If your daughter gets a good family and school then that's great but if not then the whole experience can be a negative one.

We are currently hosting a 16 year French girl and she's told us that Australians are just so much more friendly and open than the French which would explain why other exchange students enjoy Australia so much. I would have to say that it's a lot more difficult for Australians going to France than French going to Australia!

In my daughter's case language was difficult (and yes she was fluent within 3 months) but it is the cultural aspect that can really make the difference. Just be aware that whilst many students have the best experience of their life, others have an ok time and for some it can be a nightmare. It is certainly not true to say that all exchange students have a good time. Anyway best of luck with your daughter's exchange. With Rotary I believe that they change host families every few months in which case if the family's not ok the first time then she'll be changed to another family.

The last post where they change families as part of the Rotary program is what I have heard as well.

Since we just finished a Jr. Year Abroad with our youngest daughter, I have one main comment. I think the experience will depend on how much your daughter wants this experience and how much SHE wants it to succeed. If her parents are a little less knowledgeable
and less enthusiastic, that is to the good. The more the young person has to want it for herself, the harder she will try when homesickness, culture differences, etc. really hit. She will realize as the person who cried on the
hill? that she choose this. Not her mother, father, school, college apps etc. And she has 10 months left, etc. It's a chance of a lifetime.

I encourage her to prep on the language no matter if English is spoken by many. If she is assigned Italy, take a conversational course at college extension, on-line, etc. Knowing as much as she can will give her a leg up iin her own confidence in adaptation and assimilation. Once again, her own motivation will show itself on this one.

That said, I agree with the person who said the South American families are often more affluent. A member in Rotary in those countries is definitely in the upper crust even though a maid or two doesn't mean much in general there.

I have five children all were Rotary Exchange Students with totally wonderful different experiences. Our district allows the students to put 6 choices of countries and then the Rotary chooses for the student based on the students preference and the Rotary experience after interviews and the students application. My oldest son went to the Philippines and classes were taught in English, my oldest daughter went to India and some of her classes were taught in English and she had little trouble with speaking only a little Hindi, which she picked up there. My next daughter went to Australia and obviously the language was not a problem there. My youngest daughter and youngest son return ed in July from Finland and Thailand respectively and both had wonderful experiences. My daughter who went to Finland is now fluent in Finnish and is in her first year of college and they are allowing her Finnish to be her launguage requirement. She was my child that I thought would have the most difficult time learning a foriegn language. She went to language class once or twice a week and then there was an exam at the end of the year. She lived with three families. The first two did have students in school and the parents spoke English pretty well but they made her speak Finnish gradually. Her last family was an older couple that the mother knew English but did not use it alot so my daughter was force to use Finnish which she was quite proficient with by then. She is studing to be a teacher and she can't wait to go back and possibly teacher English in Finland for a year or two. My youngest son went to Thailand and it took him about three months to learn Thai. Most young people spoke English but the classes were all taught in Thai so it took him a while to feel comfortable in class. He took his Junior year there and is retaking Junior year here again. The biggest reason being that he is still not sure what he wants to do in college so his father and I thought an extra year in high school made more sense in our situation then going crazy applying to colleges now, not know what he wanted to do. We also have hosted 6 students over the year and they are all wonderful students and I feel that I have children all over the world. The host families that my children stayed with were very open and took my children in like they were their own. The Rotary has very good rules that the students must follow and the students have several people within their host club and their home club they can talk to if problems develope. My two boys went as Juniors in High School, my oldest son's junior year counted because he went to school that was taught in English and my second son is repeating his junior year. My daughters all went after they had graduated from High School.
Hope this helps. Sorry it is so long. I think the Rotary program is the best one out there. All of my children say that also from their experiences with being on exchange with other students from other programs. The Rotary District that sponsored all of my children also tends to include students from other programs in activies that they do because alot of other programs put the students with a family and forget about them.
Good luck to your daughter and I hope she has a adventure of a lifetime.