Other STS Activities:

50 Great Things About Exchange

- from Jess, QLD, exchange year in Austria 2006

  1. Getting another family half way across the world
  2. Other exchange students
  3. The first 6 months with no school work but to learn the language
  4. Host sisters
  5. … and of course host brothers
  6. Seeing new, different and totally exciting places!!
  7. New friends from your host country
  8. Learning a new language (very slowly...!!!)
  9. Being able to watch yourself grow up, mature and become more independent during the year
  10. Skiing!
  11. Making friends with people from all over the world!
  12. Travelling, seeing the world
  13. Living in a different environment
  14. Having fun!
  15. The good feeling when your natural mom calls you!
  16. One year without worrying so much.
  17. The look on your teachers face when they finally discover you understand
  18. Having to use your arms and legs to explain yourself.
  19. Amazing support from other exchange students… no one quite understands like them
  20. Joining a sports team or l earning a new sport
  21. Being part of the community
  22. Cooking in your new country and then watching others discover something new
  23. Tasting something new yourself!
  24. Being able to argue in your new language (of course not with your host mum!)
  25. Hearing from your real sister and brother
  26. Making a big decision on your own.
  27. Shopping
  28. Having someone give you a hug just because.
  29. Being able to share you culture with others
  30. Finally understanding the meaning of the word ‘cold’ (= Austria)
  31. Dreaming of something you’ll be able to do when you get home… it will be so much more special by then!
  32. Having jealous friends at home!
  33. STS meetings!!!
  34. Area Reps
  35. The first time it snows and then when it’s sunny after the snow.
  36. Getting to shovel snow… and then never wanting to do it again!
  37. When your younger host sister can ask you for help with something.
  38. The first time you realise your thinking in your new language
  39. When people wrap around you with support because they know you’re doing it tough and trying your best.
  40. Being in a local band
  41. Holidays with your host family
  42. See the excitement people have when they show and explain things to you
  43. Those people that you know you are going to be able to still telephone in 10, 20, 30 years
  44. Having your birthday
  45. When you get a magazine from home in the mail!
  46. When you can read the local magazines!
  47. Doing something you didn’t think you could
  48. Being so proud of your home country
  49. The time after your first few months where your new country starts to become home and you really feel like you’re fitting in.
  50. … Did I mention the beautiful, amazing, wonderful, supporting and always caring FRIENDS?



STS High School