I was lucky enough to study abroad not once but twice in the early 2000s. As a soon-to-be Exeter High School senior, I spent the summer of 2002 with a family in Moosburg, Germany, a small village outside of Munich, through the German-American Partnership Program. Then just three years later, I studied at the University of Heidelberg in Heidelberg, Germany, as a sophomore at Gettysburg College. The benefits of being an exchange student – living and learning in a culture not your own – are infinite. The value of the experience is immeasurable. I sometimes find it hard to put into words, but when asked about my time in Germany and the advantages I gained as a result, this is what I share:
Independence. Driving, having your own bank account, day trips with friends – all markers of freedom to the average American high school student. But saying goodbye to family and friends to live half a world away where you know no one and barely speak the language? That is a sense of independence only exchange students can appreciate, and it is a feeling that will never leave a student who dares to take the plunge.
Cultural sensitivity. Witnessing – and more importantly, appreciating – how the rest of the world lives is priceless. Our first-hand experiences far exceed what we can learn from books or see in photos. Understanding why certain cultures do what they do and respecting them for it makes us all better people and citizens of the world.
Humility and perspective. Exploring a different country in your formative years ingrains a certain humbleness within your soul. You realize just how big the world is and just how small you truly are. Problems that once seemed so huge and disastrous start to feel somewhat trivial and silly in comparison. It is all about perspective, and an exchange student will appreciate that.
Stand out from the crowd. Colleges and employers are looking for applicants who have done something different; something that sets them apart from the rest. Reflecting on your exchange student experience in admissions essays or cover letters shows your counselors and employers that you mean business – you are brave, determined, welcome a challenge, and have a passion for learning.
Unforgettable memories. Above all, being an exchange student is just, well, fun. The people you meet, the sights you will see, the laughs you will share – they will stay with you forever; this I promise you.
