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Tag: exchange student

“Yes, and…”: One High School Abroad Austria Student on How Exchange is a lot like Improv

By Mollie Block

A semester abroad is kind of like one long improv class. No, I’ve never taken an improv class before (unless you count the exercises I did in my 3rd grade after school drama club) but granted I’ve never been on a semester abroad before either. A bit of a bold statement, I’m aware, but don’t discount it until you hear me out. If you have taken an improv class before, and even if you haven’t, you know the one main rule of improv. “Yes, and …” For those of you who don’t know, and those that need a refresher, allow me to try and explain (sorry real improv students for how I’m going to mess this up!) what this means: Whenever a person is improving a scene and is asked a question the appropriate response is always “Yes, and …”. This opens up multiple paths for a scene to take and ensures there is always more to be acted.

Mollie in Vienna, enjoying the city in a Coronavirus safe way.

I’ve only been abroad for about three months and yet I can say with confidence that the number one rule for improv happens to be the same number one rule for being an exchange student. I’ve found that the only way I’m going to get the most out of this journey is by opening myself up to new experiences, even if I’m scared or hesitant.

Maybe you’re still not on board, my comparison doesn’t make a lot of sense in the abstract, so let me give an example. One of my first days here, my host dad asked me if I wanted to go on a bike ride after we dropped off my host sister at her practice. Now I know what you’re thinking; this is a pretty insignificant thing to mention, what’s the big deal about a bike ride? I never really liked biking that much, downhills are scary and uphills are taxing, but the summer before my 8th grade I got into a bike crash. It wasn’t terrible, nothing broken and no scars, but I did have to go to the ER and I haven’t been on a bike since. Until coming here. I felt bad turning down my host dads offer, I had only been here a few days and I wanted to show my host family how eager I was to become a part of their life, so I said sure. I expected to maybe walk my bike for a little and stop somewhere on the path. However, I ended up riding my bike for a couple hours.

Yes, it was flat and yes, we were going slow but if you had asked me to go on a bike ride any time before I left (which people did, often) I would’ve (and I did) said no. I ended up having a really fun time biking (I can almost hear my sister saying “I told you so”) and while I haven’t been on a ride since, I know I will again and I’m already excited.

“My point is, people don’t come into study abroad programs having everything figured out.”

The “Yes, and… ” rule isn’t the only way a study abroad and an improv class are alike. The whole point of improv is that the actors have no idea what they’re doing until they do it. A bit like the whole “fake it till you make it” mindset. In my experience, this is the same when you’re an exchange student. I came to Vienna with basically no German, not a whole lot of knowledge about the city and a ton of excitement. I had no idea what to expect. I’ve been here three months and I’m still getting surprised by this place everyday. My point is, people don’t come into study abroad programs having everything figured out. Most of us aren’t fluent in the language, I could barely introduce myself in German!, and we’re equal parts scared out of our minds and unbelievably excited for the amazing journey ahead of us (at least in my experience, I can’t talk for all exchange students). Just like in an improv scene, you learn as you go.

Mollie’s host sister walking her host dog.

There is no way to make a plan for or accurately anticipate your time abroad. Of course, I know my semester abroad looks even more different from other years because of the Coronavirus and everything it entails (online school, lockdown, restaurants and cafes are closed, etc.), but even without a worldwide pandemic, everybody’s experiences look different.

“…Even without a worldwide pandemic, everybody’s experiences look different”

If this analogy, of an exchange program being like an improv class, made sense to you, I’m glad. And if it didn’t, whether you’re a fellow exchange student, an interested parent, a prospective traveler or anything in between, that’s also ok. For me, thinking about my experience in this way has been interesting. It helps me to remember everything is part of the experience. Just like improv, there’s no right or wrong way to do an exchange program.

Mollie Block is a high school student from Maryland currently studying abroad in Vienna, Austria with Greenheart Travel.

December 7, 2020
Postcard from Kyoto, Japan

by Eve Corbett, Greenheart Travel high school student in Japan

Throughout my homestay in Japan I have remained mostly in Okayama prefecture. Besides my short orientation in Tokyo at the beginning of my stay and my previous trip to Universal Studios which was located in Osaka, I have not traveled outside of Okayama. Both my time in Tokyo and Osaka was rather short and set with a rigid schedule for the day(s).

While in Osaka, I didn’t even have the chance to leave the amusement park, so I didn’t get to experience the rest of the prefecture. But finally, on April sixth, I had the opportunity to leave Okayama and explore a different prefecture for the day. Well known outside of Japan for its beautiful spring cherry blossoms, Kyoto was the ideal place to spend an April day.

At first the plan was that I would go to Kyoto with my host sister and that we would join a bus tour group. But we soon remembered that my exchange counselor lived in Kyoto, and she was kind enough to offer to be our personal guide for the day. My host sister and I took the 8:16 bullet train to Kyoto, arriving there just one hour later. We met with my counselor and three of her other students before setting out.

Read more about Eve’s time exploring Kyoto on her recent article!

May 2, 2016
5 Things No One Tells You About Being an Exchange Student

Dear fellow current and prospective exchange students,

So, something about living in a foreign country seemed enticing to you? I understand 100%, that’s what led me to go to high school in France. But there are some things that you have absolutely no idea about until you arrive and begin to experience for yourself. Therefore, my young guppies, I’m going to get into some real talk about what life is like as an exchange student, from my experiences.

1) If you speak English, you are not alone. At all.

Before I arrived, I had really only experienced foreign exchange students coming to America, never the other way around. All of those students spoke another language that I didn’t know so it sounded super cool when they would say a simple sentence and baffle us all with their brilliance. For English speakers, that is not the case. When I first arrived the students at school spoke more English than I did French. In some ways, it’s totally awesome that so many people speak your native language, even if just a bit because that can really help you out when you’re struggling for words, which happens on the regular, I assure you. The downside is you never have that secret language moment where you can say things and no one has any idea what you’re saying. In all honesty, that was something I was expecting that was far from the reality of the situation.

2) Smile and nod.

There will be times where you straight up have no idea what is going on. Like, at all. In some instances, it is appropriate to ask the person to repeat what they said or explain it another way (for example, it’s usually an okay thing to do with your host family), but there are other times when you just can’t. For instance, if you’re in a large group of people and someone is telling a story and you miss it, you can’t ask them to repeat it. Just laugh or follow whatever the rest of the group is doing and try not to attract too much attention to your confusion. Alas, there are times when this will not work, like when you are asked questions. It is painfully embarrassing to smile and nod through a question and have the person tell you “that was a question” but you’ll survive. Smile and nod is BIG.

3) The home you live in is your home, but it isn’t your home.

At the beginning, it will feel really awkward completely intruding on this family’s life but as you adjust to each other, it will become more comfortable and you can start to do things like take a blanket on your own initiative or stretch out on the sofa or select your snack from the kitchen without asking. But there are some things that will just be different from how things are done from your actual home and you just can’t do it your usual way. After conferring with some other exchange students here in Bordeaux, France, we all noticed how all of our families always wear socks or slippers or something when they are inside the house, and how we get strange looks from our host families when we have gone around barefoot once or twice. It’s those little things that separate your life from your native country and your life during the exchange.

4) Do what works for you.

Lots of advice is given to you before you go on an exchange and it can be overwhelming to try to follow all of it. Obviously, you need to follow the rules set by your exchange company, but you also have to do what will keep you happy and motivated. It’s very easy to sink into a pit of depression when you live in a place where no one understands you, so you have to find things that keep you happy.

For me, it doesn’t make me sad to talk to my family or friends from the US. It feels nice to know that they are still thinking of me and supporting me. But that is not the case for every exchange student. A lot of times, it makes people really sad right after they finish talking to their family so they can’t do it too often. I’ve decided that you have to embrace the sadness in the same you way you embrace happiness and just let it happen instead of trying to bury it. When I relish in my sadness or happiness, I go for a walk and listen to music or color. Something that keeps me occupied but still allows me to think. An exchange is a great opportunity to grow your emotional maturity if you handle it correctly.

5) This is YOUR experience. Make the most of it.

That doesn’t mean you have to have huge plans for every day of the week or means you’re going out every Friday night. I received this advice Greenheart Travel and other former exchange students. Their advice was “Say yes more than you say no.” Of course, there will be times where it is acceptable to veg out and just relax for a weekend, but if you’re turning down a weekend of activities with classmates or your host family to do so, you’re not making the most of your exchange. Part of the reason you are having this experience is to experience things. Take a walk through your town or explore the city with a friend…Say yes to experiences and you will not be disappointed.

March 7, 2016
Alumni Spotlight on Aleeza Zinn: Reflecting on Studying in Belgium

Greenheart Travel alumna, Aleeza Zinn, recently returned from studying abroad in Belgium and shares some insights from her experience. Read on to get a glimpse of what her life was like as a student and how she has grown from her time overseas.

Q: As an exchange student in Belgium, how did you work to improve your French language skills?

I really focused on improving my listening skills when I first arrived in Belgium by paying close attention during classes. I had to make a conscious effort to remain extremely focused in order to understand what the teacher was presenting.

Q: What were the biggest challenges as an exchange student?

Initially, speaking French was the biggest challenge. In addition, the public transportation system was a bit intimidating at first, but as I became more comfortable I really began to enjoy it.

Q: How did you immerse yourself in the Belgian culture?

My host family was great and provided the opportunity to do things many exchange students wouldn’t necessarily have the chance to do.

Q: What are some things you felt more connected to Belgium culture to than U.S.?

In the United States, students often focus on their attention on their phones rather than engaging in the conversation with their friends. In Belgium, phone use felt more respectful.

Q: What will you incorporate back into your U.S. lifestyle?

I ran a race for the first time in my life in Belgium and have already signed up for two races back in the United States. I hope to continue running and to travel and be more active – to go places I haven’t explored in my home town.

Q: What’s next?

I see myself traveling in the future, and specifically to study abroad while in college.

Q: What do you wish you had known before studying in Belgium and do you have any advice for future students?

I could have packed more strategically and packed far too many short sleeved shirts. For me, half the fun of the study semester was the unknown. Not knowing things forces you out of your comfort zone and withholds any expectations.

Check out Aleeza’s photos below from her time in Belgium!

February 1, 2016
Getting into the Swing of Life in Sweden

I have been in Sweden for a fair amount of time now, just over three weeks. I can now say that I really feel I have gotten into the swing of things and have adjusted to Swedish life. Because of school, I have found myself back into a schedule and enjoying everyday life as a resident in Sweden. Everything I do here, going to school, riding the train, etc., is becoming much more routine and I feel like I am beginning to see life here through a Swede’s eyes. Truly, I am enjoying every second of this crazy concept and this amazing lifestyle.

So far, most of my time here has been spent exploring and socializing with my friends and host family. Whether it be exploring Gamla Stan (Old Town Stockholm), grabbing a fika, going to the movie theatres, or just walking around the city, every day really does bring a new adventure and a new experience. One of the best parts of being an exchange student, though, is the ability to form numerous, new relations.

I have made countless new friends at school, relationships that I will hold close for a lifetime. My host family has also been selflessly generous to me and it could not be more appreciated. Every experience I have been involved in here has only been amplified by the amazing people around me.

Being able to get a taste of Swedish cuisine has also been a blessing. Swedish candy, such as Japps or Marabou chocolate is delicious and will truly be missed when I go home. I also had the opportunity to try semla recently. Semla is a type of pastry filled with cream and an almond filling and is possibly my new favorite baked good. I have found that Swedes, much like myself, love baked goods. It appears I have found myself in the right country as far as food goes.

The time I have spent in Sweden so far has been so overwhelming and filled with new people and new experiences that it’s hard to believe that I have not even been here for a month yet. Everything that I’ve done since I arrived in Sweden has really led me to cherish my time here and love every second of it. As long as my time here has felt, I realize that it simply can not last forever.

In roughly six months I will be on a jet back home, saying hej då to a country and life I have grown so fond of. But it is way too early for me to be thinking of that and for the time being, I am just really, truly enjoying every new day, every new adventure, and every new relationship.

January 28, 2016
Snowy First Days in Finland

by Natalie Griffin, Greenheart Travel High School student in Finland

On my first day in Finland most host family members Sari, Tomi, and Jasmin came to pick me up at the airport. The sun was still a little low and the tall bottomless pine trees that are found in Finland were covered in snow. It wasn’t a long way to their house and we made small talk during the time it took. When I got to their house they showed me the rooms and I went in mine and began to unpack.

While I was unpacking, my host brother Joonas and his fiancée came and introduced themselves, and we all sat down to drink tea, eat sandwiches and later played different Xbox games, talked, and drank soda. When Sari and Tomi came back we went on a walk. It wasn’t as cold as I would think it would be, but when we stayed out for a long time it felt like the cold was burning instead of freezing. Sari then left to pick up my other host brother Kasper after our walk and I met him before going to bed.

Ice Skating and Snowy Adventures

The next day I woke up early at 5am but laid in bed till much later. Kasper went to school and Sari went to work so it was just me and Jasmin. We both ate breakfast and then watched some tv and played another video game together. During our time playing, Tomi’s sister and her husband visited with their dog and we talked and had tea together before returning to our game.

After a long time of playing video games, we went ice skating on a frozen football (soccer) field. For dinner we got Subway in the town nearby, it had snowed all day but we simply drove over the snow covered road which is something never done in Connecticut.

The day after that I spent with Jasmin again and she led me to the school along with her friend. After showing me the way to the school, we played with Sari’s friend’s dog, Bella, in the snow. She loved to dig at the ice and try to catch the snow in her mouth. We also hid Jasmin in the snow and told Bella to try to find her. After a long time of playing in the snow we returned Bella to her house and walked home.

First Day of School in Finland

The day after that was my first day of school, I woke up early and got ready and then waited for Jasmin. Her friend came and we all walked to school together a little before 8am. The cold temperature froze our eyelashes and hair making it look white.

When we arrived at the school we waited in the hallway and I met more of Jasmin’s friends and waited for my school counsellor to come find me. In my Finnish school each grade is broken up into separate classes of students. The students in a class all have the same teacher and subject at the same time and therefore mostly the same schedule besides electives.

My counsellor helped me pick some electives and then called down four of the students from my class. We all walked around the school together and then went to my math class which was almost over. I met my teacher and was introduced to the class before the bell rang. I followed the four girls to their lockers and then we went to gym. Since the temperature was so cold we stayed inside and had gymnastics; the boys and girls are separated in gym at this school.

Once gym was over we walked to their lockers and then to our physics class. I got to sit with some them because there was an open desk. My teacher checked homework and then went over it in Finnish with the students. Half way through the period, we went to lunch leaving our stuff in the classroom. When we finished lunch we went back to the class and my teacher had everyone introduce themselves along with a fact about themselves in English which some were happy to do and others reluctant to use English.

At the end of school I waited by the door for Jasmin and talked to one of the girls I met while waiting for her. We talked about going shopping sometime in the town close by together along with the others. Then I found Jasmin and we walked home. School had ended at 12:45 but some days it’s longer.

We didn’t do much for the rest of the day except I did my physics homework using google translate to understand it.

January 27, 2016
Alumni Spotlight on Sierra Winters: Bringing Austrian Culture Back Home

We recently caught up with Greenheart Travel alumna, Sierra Winters, about her high school abroad program in Austria, what she learned while abroad and what aspects of the Austrian culture she brought back to the States. Read the interview below to learn more about her experience as an exchange student last fall.

Q: What aspects of Austrian culture did you connect with the most, what did you miss from the States?

I especially felt connected with the pursuit of happiness shown by the Austrians. Austria is known for its happy culture. In order to achieve this happiness, Austrians generally work less, celebrate more, and stay involved with their families and communities.

Working overtime is considered a sign of inefficiency, not of dedication. I agree with this lifestyle; I think the typical American works too much and is considerably less happy than the typical Austrian. Multiple times, my host father said after any complaint he made, “Ah, but it’s a good life.” This overlying value of being appreciative for life itself is a value that greatly aligns with my lifestyle.

I felt more connected with the athletics aspect of culture in the U.S. than in Austria. Perhaps because Austria has a lower obesity rate than the U.S. (they eat less processed and fast foods and a smaller amount of food in general), they do less organized sport. While they love to walk, hike, and ski, there are no school sports teams. I love to exercise with a team (I am a swimmer and runner), so it was a little difficult for me to have no competitions to look forward to and nobody with whom I could regularly exercise.

Q: What parts of the Austrian way of life will you incorporate back into your U.S. lifestyle?

The Austrians have an incredible sense of community and family, which I have begun to incorporate into my U.S. life. My host family always ate lunch together, and sometimes drank coffee, ate cake, and played card games afterwards. Every evening, we spent our time in the living room doing homework, watching TV, exercising, or just talking. We rarely relaxed in our rooms.

Festivals provided some of my happiest moments in Austria; it was awesome to dance on the tables with friends to a live band, waltz and foxtrot with my host father, and hear the bellowing laughter of the entire community. Since I have returned, I have made it a point to contribute more to my family; I help out more in the kitchen, I read in the living room instead of in my room with the door shut, and I try to ask them more about how their days were.

The sense of community I gained in Austria has also helped me appreciate all the ways in which my home town is unique, so I’m now less likely to complain about it.

What’s next now that you are back home from your study abroad program?

I like to live my life as a series of big events I can look forward to. Last year, I ran a marathon, this year I went to Austria, and next summer I am going on a week-long bike trip and hopefully attending Governor’s School. Beyond that, I will hike the Appalachian Trail and spend a good amount of time volunteering. I plan on being an exchange student in college, this time to a Spanish-speaking country.

Everything I do in life is driven by the desire to travel spiritually, mentally, and physically. Being an exchange student gave me the perfect opportunity to do all three.

What did you not know that you wish you had known before studying in Austria?

The exchange experience is a learn-as-you-go event. The two main things to remember are that being an exchange student is not the same thing as going on vacation and that not everyone is impacted in the same ways.

There will be times that you cry from homesickness, get annoyed with your host family, and wish you had your life-long friends by your side. While you are constantly busy on a two-week vacation and have no time to think about all the things you miss from your home country, a several-months-long experience is quite different. Don’t expect everything to go perfectly and be prepared to go out of your comfort zone. Ultimately, it is worth it.

I had a friend in Austria who was an exchange student from Australia and her time abroad made her want to move to Austria and never go back to Australia. Conversely, my time abroad made me appreciate my hometown more than I had when I initially left. While an exchange experience will rarely impact a person negatively, it is important to remember that the experience will teach different people different things.

It’s OK if you don’t want to move to your host country permanently; the purpose of your trip was not to give you a real estate tour. The purpose of your trip was to teach you things about yourself, your desires, and the outside world that you otherwise might have never known.

Want to learn how you can study abroad in Austria?

Check out our high school program page and don’t miss the Feb. 2 deadline for the early bird application discount!

January 22, 2016
Student Spotlight on Rachel Anderson: Looking Forward to New Possibilities in Germany

As part of our ongoing student spotlight series, all of us at Greenheart Travel are thrilled to introduce our featured high school abroad student, Rachel Anderson! Read a little bit about Rachel and her reasons for studying in Germany!

Name, Age & Home:

I am Rachel Anderson, and I am travelling to study abroad in Bremen, Germany. I am from Bellingham, Washington and I am 17 years old.

Favorite thing to do in your free time?

Laughter and adventure are what I live for. Anything which includes those two things intrigues me. Through many years of living in Bellingham, I have grown to love the outdoors, whether its backpacking, running, swimming, hiking, skiing, walking, etc.

What do you think you will miss the most from home?

One of the biggest things I will miss about Bellingham is the people. I have created friends I know I will carry throughout a lifetime, and I have an amazing family.

What got you interested in studying abroad?

I chose to go to Germany because I believe that a huge part of education is learning about where you fit into the world. Germany offers a beautiful scenery, a wonderful second family, and exciting new possibilities.

What do you hope you will learn during your time abroad?

Through travel, I hope to gain independence, strength, new connections and a new appreciation for life. I could not be more grateful for such a wonderful opportunity, and I am excited to watch it unfold.

January 20, 2016
Student Spotlight on Valerie Wierenga: Finding a Family Connection in the Netherlands

As part of our ongoing student spotlight series, all of us at Greenheart Travel are thrilled to introduce our featured high school abroad student of the week, Valerie Wierenga! Read a little bit about Valerie and her reasons for studying in the Netherlands !

Name, Age & Home:

Valerie Wierenga, 18 years old from Grand Rapids, Michigan

Favorite thing to do in your free time?

Run, play soccer, bake, and hang out with friends and family

Have you traveled abroad before?

Yes, I have traveled with family to Europe and visited several countries there including England, Belgium, Scotland, France. I have also traveled to Honduras for medical mission trips.

What got you interested in studying abroad?

I’ve always had a passion for traveling and several of my siblings have studied abroad at Oxford and various schools in college, so it is something I’ve always hoped to do. However, because I will be competing in collegiate athletics I did not think I would ever have the chance to participate in study abroad. I was thrilled when I found Greenheart Travel and their program that allows me to travel abroad in high school.

What are you most excited about?

I am most excited to learn a new language, see what school is like in a different country, and make new relationships. All my relatives are from the Netherlands so I am excited to learn more about where my family is from and be able to speak Dutch with my Grandpa.

What do you think you will miss the most from home?

I’m sure I will miss my family and friends from home the most. I have a close relationship with my parents and 7 siblings as well as my friends from school and sports. I’ll miss them, but I’m not nervous about becoming homesick because I have spent extended time traveling before, and this trip is something I am very excited to take.

What are you nervous about?

I am nervous about the Dutch language because I am not confident in my speaking or reading skills. I am also nervous about attending school because I want to adjust to the new environment well, and meet other students.

How well do you speak Dutch at this point?

I don’t know Dutch very well, I just know basic words and grammar rules, but I am working on learning more before I leave.

How do you think you will change the most in your time abroad?

Throughout my trip I think I will become more independent and better at trying new things often.

Have any advice for Valerie on her upcoming adventure in the Netherlands? Comment below!

January 15, 2016
Leaving for Sweden to Study Abroad

by Jared Ebel, Greenheart Travel high school student in Sweden

Well, today is the day. Today is the day I finally leave to pursue a massive dream of mine and study abroad in Sweden. Today I will spend eighteen hours in airports and airplanes so I can spend the next six months of my life with a new family, in a different culture, and a different country. I still haven’t mentally wrapped my head around this entire situation.

It hasn’t really “clicked” yet. Every relationship, every person I have met and became friends with in the last seventeen years of my life, will be with me only electronically. I am beyond thankful for the Christmas gatherings and going away parties that allowed me an opportunity to say goodbye to all my family and friends.

I will be forced to start anew. I will have a different family and will have to make new friends. That’s a lot for me to process and I realize it sounds scary, but really, what an adventure. What an experience to immerse yourself in a such challenge and in a new culture.

It’s such an insane way to learn about the world around you and the massively diverse people in it. I could not be more excited to see all the new people I’ll meet and enjoy all of the crazy experiences I will have. It is sad to leave everything behind, but is even more exciting to travel and see the world.

I think some of us just weren’t designed to live within the bounds of our comfort zones. That is a category I most definitely fall into. Despite all my nervousness right now, I am filled with joy and anticipation. I can already tell that the decision to fill out an application and become an exchange student was one of the best in my life.

My new experiences with Lena, Joakim, Cecilia, Erika, Jonas, Tobias, and the friends I will meet will surely be incredible.

So here I am, sitting in an airport, waiting for my next flight. As I think back to my going away party and saying goodbye to all my friends and family, I can’t help but smile thinking about how lucky I am to get to enjoy such and of all the memories I will make.

January 7, 2016