The transition from high school to college can become stressful. College offers a new experience in a different environment. Various things are going to change in college. Choosing a path is not so easy when you have a variety of options. The decision you make in college will impact your future. One of the best things you will appreciate forever before joining college is becoming an foreign exchange student. Here’s why.
Learning outside the classroom
High school classes are usually in the classroom. However, learning can go on outside the classroom in college you can visit your advisors and professors during office hours for consultation. Classes in college are usually smaller to give everyone personalizes attention. However, you can always check on your professor if you need assistance outside the classroom. Spending time as an foreign exchange student prepares you to have classes in a different environment.
Changing your major
It is okay to change your mind regarding your college major. You need good advice and an understanding of education requirements to figure out the right major for you. The rule of thumb is to select classes away from your comfort zone and where you have passion. Additionally, it is important to determine your ideal career.
Spending time abroad during a student exchange program gives you chance to make up your mind. Exposure to a new environment and trying out different things abroad can help you realize what you actually want to do in college. Good thing, changing your college major even multiple times is okay. Whether you’re learning the local language or volunteering, the experience can impact what you’re looking forward to in college.
Building relationships
Apart from education, college offers a wonderful opportunity to make friendships. You have various chances to join student clubs, athletics, or other organizations. These allow meeting new people and developing lasting friendships. Well, spending time abroad gives you the confidence you need when meeting and interacting with new people. With this experience, it will become easy to meet new people with whom to make new memories.
Internship opportunity
After high school, it is a good idea to spend some time abroad. Here there’s a lot to do including volunteering or honing your local language skill. By the time you join college, you will value this valuable experience. Additionally, you can use the experience abroad to ace your college application. Volunteering helps builds long-term relationships and gaining helpful experience that will come in handy when you join the employment world. In fact, volunteering abroad gives a preview of what your future career might be.
Independent decision making
Joining college is likely going to be your first moment to be away from your family and friends. This means that you will be making independent decisions regarding most situations you encounter. Additionally, you will have no one to always be looking out for you to see that you’re using your time well. Fortunately, you can test this independence when you spend time in a foreign country before joining college.
Being in a foreign country will prepare you to think fast and to develop ways of getting yourself out of trouble. Equally important is to understand how to use your time well. Time management is essential since being independent is not all about reading updates on social media without reading your books.
Resilience
College is all about working hard and playing hard . Since it is your first time to test independence, you have an opportunity to do whatever you have ever wished to do without the prying eyes of your parents or guardians. However, understanding that you have to balance work with play is very important. Spending time as a foreign exchange student can prepare you for this experience.
In a foreign country, you are bound to face some tough situations that require quick judgment on your own. This is just like in college where some classes are tougher than others. So understanding how to get yourself out of hard situations in a foreign country prepares you to make time to balance study and fun while in college.
Being proactive
College is not for the faint-hearted. You have to seek solutions from the right people when facing a problem. You can go to a tutor when class is difficult. Equally important is to seek a counselor for guidance on planning your schedule for the semester. The truth is to understand that there are various people in college to give you the necessary assistance you need.
Being an exchange student can help you appreciate the importance of reaching out when facing a problem. When living with a host family, you can always seek assistance from your host parents and siblings or call the program office. Understanding when and who to reach out to prepares you for college and life after, where you’re likely to seek assistance in various circumstances.
Everyone in high school should jump at an opportunity to spend time abroad. The experience will make significant impact on your life in college.
