A year in another country, what do you think?

Question

I am in highschool, and I am being offered to go to europe for my junoir year (next). I am looking to go to Switzerland , for its skiing among other things. i'd go to a french speaking area. Is that smart though? I only spent 3 years studying french so I am not fluent. i think that is equivalent to french A in college. i'll prob load up on summer courses too though. or should i go to england? I am afraid that i'd start out failing classes because i dont understand the language. Have you ever done it? what do you think? Any useful things i should know?

Also I have the interveiw next weekend, what should I say??

Answer 1

Is there an international school where you are going? The classes are usually in English. Definitely take advantage of this opportunity - it will look good on your resume, even if you have a hard time with some classes. And you will be surprised by how quickly you pick up on the French, which will give you something to write about if schools ask you about overcoming hardships!

Answer 2

WOW!

I've hosted two Swiss exchange students (out of my 13) and we've visited them several times. What an awesome place! The country is wonderful and the people are great!

Don't worry about your language skills -- 2 years are all that's required for the French part of Switzerland. You will most likely attend a gymnasium where the classes will be taught in French so you'll get better very quickly! As far as initially doing badly in the classes -- they will expect that until your language skills get better. It's normal for American exchange students! By going to England, you would pass up the wonderful opportunity for language immersion and the benefits you will get later in life -- especially if you keep it up in college.

Now, to your interview. I've done a number of them with prospective students. First, be honest. But DON'T emphasize the reason you want to go to Switzerland is skiing! It's definitely OK to say that's a PART of why you want to go.

Another thing, if your parents are in the interview, don't let them answer questions for you OR look to them before you answer the questions yourself. To me, that's a sure sign that you are VERY dependent upon them and that is a red flag for an interviewer.

Your interviewer will ask you about problems that you have had and how you've dealt with them. He or she will want to know about how many times you've been away from home ... how did you handle it. What did you do when (or if) you were homesick. He or she is looking for signs that you are mature and independent enough to handle the experience.

For lots of information on the exchange experience, check out http://www.exchangestudentworld.com/

It's written by exchange students (one of them mine!).

Good luck and have a great year!