Today marks the end of my first week with my host family!
They have been really great but I am realizing how hard being an exchange student really is. I knew there'd be rough days but I never it expected to be this difficult. Before I came everybody from AFS told me that going abroad will be the hardest thing you ever do and now I'm realizing what they meant. It's so many mixed emotions and there is really no words to describe it. It is being completely overwhelmed with everything; the language, a new family, missing your home, and so much more. Anybody going on exchange believe me when I say this: It is a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute I find myself missing my family so much that it hurts and the next I am super stoked on something French. It's really ridiculous actually.
Before I left everybody told me I am the type of person to go on exchange and I convinced myself it would be so easy. Now Im realizing it's not like this. I'm not saying I wish I wasn't here because I am so happy with being here I am just giving other people going on exchange that if your first week isn't amazing, you got to keep your head up. I just have to keep telling myself how lucky I am to be here. As much as I would love to be curled up on my couch at home watching gossip girl with my family or friends, I have to remind myself this is the chance of a lifetime and not everybody gets this opportunity.
Anyway, enough with that! This week I had a few days of school and it was alright. The school is so cold and I have no idea where Im going but it was fine. I pretty much just followed my host sister around because we are in all the same classes. I really like my host sister but Im starting to realize maybe this isnt such a great idea because its really hard for me to make my own friends. So I think I might ask my host family to switch classes. Its important that I do but its kinda hard to bring up. However if I switch classes it will also help in the long run because I dont think its good if we are together every hour of the day for 5 months. She's really great but we will already spend all our time at home and on vacation together so I think changing would be for the best.
Okay well thats it for now. Hopefully I will be able to update again soon. Sorry for the dramatic rant!
They have been really great but I am realizing how hard being an exchange student really is. I knew there'd be rough days but I never it expected to be this difficult. Before I came everybody from AFS told me that going abroad will be the hardest thing you ever do and now I'm realizing what they meant. It's so many mixed emotions and there is really no words to describe it. It is being completely overwhelmed with everything; the language, a new family, missing your home, and so much more. Anybody going on exchange believe me when I say this: It is a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute I find myself missing my family so much that it hurts and the next I am super stoked on something French. It's really ridiculous actually.
Before I left everybody told me I am the type of person to go on exchange and I convinced myself it would be so easy. Now Im realizing it's not like this. I'm not saying I wish I wasn't here because I am so happy with being here I am just giving other people going on exchange that if your first week isn't amazing, you got to keep your head up. I just have to keep telling myself how lucky I am to be here. As much as I would love to be curled up on my couch at home watching gossip girl with my family or friends, I have to remind myself this is the chance of a lifetime and not everybody gets this opportunity.
Anyway, enough with that! This week I had a few days of school and it was alright. The school is so cold and I have no idea where Im going but it was fine. I pretty much just followed my host sister around because we are in all the same classes. I really like my host sister but Im starting to realize maybe this isnt such a great idea because its really hard for me to make my own friends. So I think I might ask my host family to switch classes. Its important that I do but its kinda hard to bring up. However if I switch classes it will also help in the long run because I dont think its good if we are together every hour of the day for 5 months. She's really great but we will already spend all our time at home and on vacation together so I think changing would be for the best.
Okay well thats it for now. Hopefully I will be able to update again soon. Sorry for the dramatic rant!
You are a such a stong individual. Follow your instincts and continue to get involved. Time will pass so very quickly and with each day know that we are by your side supporting you and smiling at being the luckiest parents alive. We love you and stay strong. You are a beutiful human being. Enjoy your time. Mom and Dad
ReplyDeleteI think we're in the same boat! I feel exactly like this... there are some days where you feel like you want to stay in France for ever and next minute, you see or hear something that makes you think of home and you wanna go straight home. But as you said, you are lucky to be there and you'll enjoy it so much :)
ReplyDeleteI had the exact same feeling the first 2 weeks I was with you guys in the US. It's just the part where you realize that your life is completely different right now, and even though that was the thing you've always wanted, it suddenly turns into something you're not so sure about anymore. But you will have this feeling more than once, believe me. but it will be worth it, you'll have your ups and down, but that's part of the experience and you will look back at those moments and you'll say ' that has made me stronger'. On the other hand, you'll also have those moments where you think ' thank God I had the chance to do this ' and you'll be super happy and you'll not want to leave.just stay strong and talk to your family if you feel bad, even though the language is kinda hard sometimes. This is gonna be a life changing experience and you'll figure that out once you're on the airplane to the US :). so stay strong! we miss you! <3
ReplyDeleteAww Janina thanks for the advice! I am already realizing what you mean about the ups and downs! Its crazy how quick your emotions can change! Miss you too! <3
ReplyDelete