Gone a RYE

So I know you’ve probably read something like this a million of times but this one will be things nobody really talks about and are kind of forgotten….

1. In most countries- no AC Im from Texas, where we have AC even in the bathroom, so coming to Switzerland where they don’t even have AC in the school was a little sweaty. Weather I used to consider cool became short and tank top weather, opening a window became a daily and hourly habit and sweat stains became normal…. Fans in your room will become your best friend.

2. No alone time So you obviously have alone time in your room and at night but you’re rarely ever in the house alone. Back in the states I was home alone very often and even had a little section of the house all to myself. So I could easily sing whenever I wanted and walk around with no pants on. Here, i get to be home alone for about 30 minutes at least once a week before someone comes home. So I usually take those 30 minutes to finally sing out the song that’s been in my head for the past couple of days.

3. learning a language isn’t always so easy So I think this definitely is based on how hard you are trying and how much of the host language you speak with your host family, but it’s still difficult. I’m currently 2 months in and am trying as much as possible to only speak my host language with my family but telling stories in German isn’t really easy, so I always end up resorting to English… And also, don’t compare your language skills to another exchange student. Comparing is always a bad idea, and everyone learns st different paces.

4. Transportation So coming from the states where I got my license a day after my 16th birthday, I never really learned how to ride a bike (good), and I have only taken the bus to school a handful of times. So learning how to deal with public transportation took me a little over a month and I embarrass myself every time I have to ride a bike. Don’t be afraid to ask someone a question if you’re confused. It’s better safe than sorry.

5. Curfew Most times curfew is more based on when the last bus comes, which is normally about midnight. No longer am I able to stay out until 2am and have a friend or myself drive me home. And sometimes if I’m in another city I need to worry about finding a train time back and then worry about the bus time to take me to my house.

6. Netflix/ Hulu/ Amazon is different Especially if you’re from the States you’re going to be ripped off on Netflix this exchange year. No longer will you have all the seasons to your favorite shows, or some of your favorite movies. But it’s okay, because it gives us an excuse to get out and do something. Plus you can also change your shows to whatever language you’re learning and it’s cool.

7. Patients is key This goes for before, during, and after exchange. And really just in life in general, learn how to be patient. Please.

8. No matter how ready you think you are, you won’t be at all As much as I would love the idea of this post preparing every future exchange student, it really won’t. I tried not to have expectations before leaving, but arriving, everything that I thought I knew and what I expected was not at all.

9. Host families It is very very common to have problems with your host family. In fact I’m pretty sure everyone does, whether they admit to it or not. Just imagine, these people are complete strangers to you and you come barge into their homes, take their food, take their time, take their money… And sometimes the exchange students don’t get along with the host family, and that can be fixed, don’t be afraid to speak up. But also, remember the rules of the house and do your chores, turn off the lights, lock the doors, get home on time, thank them at least once a day.

10. Exchange is not all about getting drunk In fact, I think I prefer the nights with my friends where there is no alcohol present. Sure partying is fun and what not, but if all you’re expecting is to get drunk every weekend and attend all these crazy parties and try out new drugs from your host country, don’t be an exchange student. Please do us all the favor…