The Exchange

Hey there!I want you to know you're not alone in feeling this way. The first few months of my exchange were very tough, as I was in a very small city with no other exchange students and the majority of the people I went to school with had been together since they were children. I immediately bonded with people who spoke English, which likely slowed my progress with Portuguese but gave me the feeling of comfort that I was seeking. What I learned on exchange that really helped me, and what continues to help me now, is the relationship I built with myself. I learned how to be with myself and being alone didn't mean I needed to be lonely.However, I do have some tips that I hope help you. If your school has clubs, activities, sports (mine had zero because it was the tiniest town ever) join them, even if you're terrible at whatever it is. I joined a gym, because any kind of verbal interaction you can have is a good one. Go to whatever parties are happening, and if you don't hear about any, ask. I feel like I missed out on a lot of opportunities because I was too shy to ask. Invite people for food, and if they say no ask the next person. It can be really hard to put yourself out there, especially because you don't really know where you fit in. But that's the beauty of exchange, you don't really fit in, you build a space for yourself. I hope this helps you, and that you have a good rest of your exchange. It's one of the most challenging years you'll ever experience, and one that shapes you as a person more then you realize. Enjoy beautiful Brazil, it still owns my heart even after three years of being home.