student exchange in france?
im going on a student exchange to france, and im just wondering if theres anything i need to be especially worried or, rather, prepared about? ive only done a bit of french at school. i generally do pretty well in written and listening tests but really really suck at speaking - my brain just stop working when im trying to do a speaking task. and also im really worried that i'd be a burden to my host family, esp the kid. ive seen friends at school who hosted exchange students and maybe its just them, but it seems like its really scary to be an exchange student. i mean, the host sister/brother probably already have heaps of friends at school, wouldnt you be annoying and wont be able to fit in quite well cos ur language skills sucks big time? what would i do w/ spending money? i probably wont have access to large amount of cold hard cash and i really feel bad about spending other peoples money.
Other - Europe - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Speaking is always the hardest part of learning a language. Do your best to practice before you leave. Narrate what you are doing to yourself. Yeah, when you are in a test/performance situation, you are likely to freeze, but think how much easier that will be once you come back! (how long are you going for? That should answer a lot of your other questions). You'll find you fit in better than you fear. Your program director should give you lots of preparation for this...things like some language tools, and how to behave to fit in and all that. Frankly, in my school, we always thought the exchange students were people that we wanted to welcome and suck into our activities...we tried to get them into the things that we were into. They never seemed to struggle for friendship. And people generally understand when you struggle with the language, and they try to help you along, too. Spending money? I believe that comes from your parents, not from the family. And they may set up an account and put an allowance in it, out of the money that you pay the program. That probably varies according to the program. Check on that.
2 :
three main things to be wary of: 1. Strangers/ Security If a man or woman approaches you or just "coincidentally" happens to be going where you are going, gently decline his/her offer, however cute/ tres chic he or she may be. Much human trafficking cases have been known to occur in france. The usual rules of travelling apply wherever you go. Watch your pockets, bags etc. Don't get conned easily. Be Aware! (; 2. Courtesy Always be on your best behaviour, but that doesn't mean that you can forgo your personality and the want to have fun. Do know your limits and smile (: 3. Money Why not prepare some foreign currencies ahead of time. If you really want to buy something but have no money/ not enough, and are really sure that you want it, why not borrow some money from your host and repay him/ her later when you have access to extra cash. Last but not least, HAVE TONS OF FUN!!! It's always a suprise to experience a new culture
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