Pourquoi?

So, you might be wondering, “Why do you want to go to a foreign country where you will fail at school, embarrass yourself daily, and get incredible headaches from speaking in a different language all day?” (Besides the fact that it is an amazingly fun and exciting opportunity.)

My program suggests that I make a list of the top 10 reasons of why I want to be a foreign exchange student to exactly answer those questions.

1. Enhance my language skills

            We discussed this one before, but I really cannot wait to see my French improve. It is so useful and fun to be able to speak another language and it will open me up to an entirely new world. I think that French is such a beautiful and old language with so much history. French is useful all across the world as well, in not only France, but in Canada, Haiti, Senegal, and many more amazing and interesting places I hope to visit one day.

 2. Learn about yourself and gain independence

            I will gain so much more freedom while traveling abroad and will be given the chance to live without my parents for several months.

3. Travel/studying abroad is a life-altering experience

After I return I will be a changed person. I will have new wishes and desires for what I want to do in the future and I will have a different perspective on life.

4. I will see the world with a new perspective

I will have had more world experience and will be able to see the world through a more realistic lens.

5. Make lifelong friends

I cannot wait to make friends that will last a lifetime! I will not only have people to communicate with in French to keep my language up, but I will be able to come close to many different people that without this experience I would never have been able to meet.

6. Mature as a person

I will become a much more mature person and I will be more equipped to overcome barriers in everyday life when I return home.

7. Experience a new culture

French culture amazes me and I cannot wait to learn more about it and place myself in the middle of it.

8. Get out and see the world

I know this is kind of obvious- but it truly is important. I will be given the chance to see lots of historical monuments and hopefully give myself a taste of travel that will leave me wanting more.

9. Create connections in other countries

Along with making friends I will be able to make connections with people that will be incredibly useful if I ever were to return to France or possibly live there for a longer period of time.

10. Experience new ways of learning

Last but not least, I will be able to see how the school system in France works and I will be able to compare it to the American system.

There are, of course, many more reasons about why I want to become a foreign exchange student, but I think these are the main ones. I cannot wait to journey to France, and while abroad, I am sure I will discover many more reasons about how the trip will benefit me that I have yet to discover.