1. Have a goal in mind.
Why are you going on exchange? Everybody does it for different reasons. For me and many others, it was learning a new language, experiencing a new culture, make new friends, and being more independent.
But don't have too many expectations of your exchange year prior to leaving. If your exchange year does not turn out the way you thought it would be, don't be dissapointed.
2. Learn the local language.
Be patient and don't be afraid of making mistakes because this is the best way to learn. You are probably going to look stupid, but every beginner goes through this phase.People might laugh but you can't let that discourage you. I changed my phone and laptop's language to Spanish and started watching Spanish shows instead of English TV shows. Try to at least learn the basics of the language before leaving your home country.
3. Don't spend too much time online
Exchange is only a year and a year passes very quickly!! Instead of watching netflix or skyping friends for hours, find something to do. It's very tempting to take out your phone when you are bored and I wish I had done this less often...
4. Spend time with your host family
Host families voluntarily donate time, money, and resources for your intercultural experience and the least you could do is spend time with them. Don't be the guy that spends the whole day in his/her room and never says a word. It might will be uncomfortable at first, but be courageous and try to spend time with them whether it is just buying groceries with them, watching TV, or gardening. Remember, any experience whether big or small helps you learn.Trust me, the memories are worth it!
Also, Host families are not a hotel, so expect to take part in family activites.
5. Be Open minded
Know that there will be cultural differences and do not make assumptions about a culture too quickly. Share your culture with other people. Some things that are acceptable in one culture may be frowned upon in other cultures. Assimilation is the key.
6. Your exchange year is how you make it
So don't be sad if you don't change in a particular way. I know I definitely matured and learned, but my personality is pretty much the same. I was shy before, and I still am. Don't feel weird if you don't experience the same things as other exchange students because different people create different experiences. You also might not have the same problems that other exchange students have.
7. Be brave
Start converstions with people, make new friends, and try new foods. Take initiative and go to other people instead of having them come to you. Even if you are shy, you have to overcome your fears.
8. Say yes to everything!
When people invite you to go out or study say yes! When your host family asks you to go for a walk say yes! (Obviously don't say yes to everything like killing someone or snorting cocaine etc, but you get the point) Even if it is not as fun as you think it is, at least you get to learn something about the culture. What I'm trying to say is try new things as much as possible.
9. Be thankful and quit complaining
Something me and a lot of other exchange students have yet to learn is to be thankful. Many times we can complain and bitch about what our host family and exchange program can do better, but we don't realize that most of them are volunteers and aren't perfect. When you are an exchange student you can't be too picky about your food or living conditions. Don't complain how things are better at home and stuff like that because exchange is not meant to be easy.Your real family might give you advice on solving your problems but I doubt they want to hear you complain for hours and hours.
