Overseas exchange

[hXc]

Towards the end of last year, I decided I wanted a change. I couldn't handle doing the things I had to do day in and day out. I was feeling pretty down and at the time, I had a good idea...

One of my friends from school is going to Norway sometime this year with AFS for an overseas exchange. I looked into it and was keen until I found out I wouldn't be able to go 'til August this year (this was August last year). I looked into going to Finland or Sweden and started talking to other people about it.Everyone said it was a great idea, and to go for it. Well it kind of just faded into the distance to be forgotten about for a while...

Now my life is a lot better, I have an absolutely wonderful girlfriend and an awesome group of mates. Things are going pretty well, and NCEA went a lot better than I thought it would. But still after all these months, I want a change; a change in scenery and people. Not saying that I don't love the people I hang around etc, but some of the people who try to hang around with me, or the people that started to cause a few of the problems I had, I need to get away from.

So I've been thinking about an overseas exchange again. This time, I've looked into EF, who are a lot cheaper than AFS. I have a friend who's here from Utah and she says she wants me to go to Utah. She said I'd love it and that she'd make sure I don't get lost etc etc.

Basically I'm wanting to know a bit more than the internet/flyers can tell me. How many of you people have done an overseas exchange? How many people here know people who have done them? How can I fundraise $10,000 + spending money? And anything else you guys want to tell me about them?

[Thomas]

I can't speak from personal experience but I'd say go for it. A bit like having an OE - you need to do it when you're young. Not that there is anything to stop you doing another one when you are older!

We had a Norwegian exchange student staying with us when I was at high school after her organised stay fell through and she is still in contact with my sister. She loved her time in NZ and is thinking of moving here with her family. I wish I'd gone on one when I was at school, it's a great way to see another country and another culture in a safe way.

I know Rotary and some clubs like that organise these exchanges too - maybe they have websites or something? Good luck.

[Jantar]

Definitely take any opportunity like this when you can. Good on you for looking for the positive alternatives. :yes:

[Rossi Gal]

An awesome experience that you will never forget. i did one in my 5th form year. only to Oz and only for 4months. I had wanted to do one further away and for a year but just wasnt gonna work at the time. but i would highly recommend it. to see another way of living, different culture, enviroment. it makes you see NZ and the people here in another light, and you'll find out a lot about yourself as well. its a persnal experience so i cant really say much other than go for it!

[James Deuce]

Go anywhere except the US. That shithole has labelled the rest of us potential criminals and the sooner we build an economic and cultural wall around the place the better for us all. Utah is one of the weirdest places on the planet and I hate to think how a progressive, liberal, idealistic chap like yourself would be treated in a conservative bastion of polygamy and religious zealotry.

I think the Scandinavian countries would be an excellent idea, but you'd need to put some effort into learning the language of your host country. Not too hard because they are of the Germanic family and therefore have a lot in common with English. Except Finland. Weird place, weird people, but good weird. Their sense of humour is so dry it created the Sahara.

Edit: Just looked at Buffy's post below - GO somewhere that English ISN'T the main language. It is an effective way of losing the perspective that you belong to the the dominant global uber-tribe.

[BuFfY]

I think you should go for it! I know it will make you so happy!

Going somewhere that you can speak the language would make it a lot easier! I don't understand how some asian exchange students (we had thousands at my high school) enjoy it when they don't speak much english and just spend time with other exchange students!!

I had a friend go to the Netherlands for 6 months in 6th form, she learnt so much about her self and grew up so much.

Just one question.... what are you going to do about riding?!?!

[Rossi Gal]

Go anywhere except the US. That shithole has labelled the rest of us potential criminals and the sooner we build an economic and cultural wall around the place the better for us all. Utah is one of the weirdest places on the planet and I hate to think how a progressive, liberal, idealistic chap like yourself would be treated in a conservative bastion of polygamy and religious zealotry.

I think the Scandinavian countries would be an excellent idea, but you'd need to put some effort into learning the language of your host country. Not too hard because they are of the Germanic family and therefore have a lot in common with English. Except Finland. Weird place, weird people, but good weird. Their sense of humour is so dry it created the Sahara.

Edit: Just looked at Buffy's post below - GO somewhere that English ISN'T the main language. It is an effective way of losing the perspective that you belong to the the dominant global uber-tribe.


Agree..go somewhere non english speaking..way more rewarding. and it doesnt take long to pick up another language once its all around you.

[hXc]

Just one question.... what are you going to do about riding?!?!Well I wouldn't be able to ride just about where ever I go because of my age. In Europe and Britain you can't drive 'til you're 18 anyway, but I don't know about the states. It's different just about everywhere over there anyway.

One of the other reasons I was having second thoughts about Finland/Sweden etc was the language barrier. I'm not the quickest person to pick up a language, and believe it or not, I'm quite shy when it comes to speaking in another language. I know the US is quite similar in many ways, but it's still a completely different place. Considering my career path (music), it'd probably be a good idea to get a foot in the door before I make the jump, so to speak. So it wouldn't be such a culture shock when I ventured over there for working purposes, if that makes sense.

EDIT: And I could come back and ride for a month or two, then get my full.

[James Deuce]

Utah is not California. The Music Business is dead and doesn't know it. I saw Chrissie Hynd make that observation last night on Campbell Live last night and it resonated with my gestalt.

You'd do better to start a MySpace Blog and upload Demos and Self made videos than pin your hopes on a career based in the US, and this is what most music pundits are suggesting you do, not just fat, hairless has-beens like me. It can be used for everything from getting local gigs (most Bar and Club managers have access to the Internet you know) to Distribution and Publishing deals. Which is what you are after. Recording Contracts are modern day slave contracts.

When you are in a total immersion environment in regard to a new language you'll have the basics sorted in about 6 weeks. At your age you'll be fluent in 3 months. The only thing that would trouble you would be tense and grammar.

Utah is not California. Repeat after me. Utah is not California.

Think Global. There's only 300 Million people in the US, and 150 Million of them are Christian Radicals. They think your piercing is evil. Gathering European fans in the Music Industry is a guaranteed way to make a long-term career. In the US you'd be around for maybe one single and then it's over, rover.

[hXc]

They think your piercing is evil.And that would be different from home how?

I hear what you're saying about music industry but the fact of the matter is that I'm going to travel. I don't want to be stuck in little ol' NZ trying to make it, when I can be in the US or Europe actually making it.

I would still learn a shit load about everything over there. It interests me.
But who am I to tell you your opinion is wrong, it's just what you think.

[James Deuce]

Whoops!

I forgot that golden rule. Never give advice to a teenager. It's more pointless than giving advice to a woman.

[yungatart]

I see the future... and what it holds for us is great wads of money slipping through our fingers...:crybaby: :crybaby:

[BuFfY]

Zac, go where you want to go and where you think will make you happy.
You started this thread asking for comments from people who have had exchanges, not peoples views on where to go. (just remember, people are more likely to make bad comments than good because they don't think the good is needed)

[hXc]

I see the future... and what it holds for us is great wads of money slipping through our fingers...:crybaby: :crybaby:Aww I lub you mummy. Or is that mommy?

[James Deuce]

Rubbish Buffy.

The US will do nothing to add to Zac's life experience, that he can't get from television.

A trip to Europe would be incredibly broadening, educational, and may just provide the kick in the pants he needs to get politically aware, something that is vital for a future PM. The US doesn't have a Democratic Political system. Most European countries do, and the Scandinavian countries would be thrilled to get a Kiwi in their classrooms and grill him for his perspective on their country and his world view.

The US would just try to make him one of them.

[Mole_C]

How about Canada? Nicer than the US, good skiing winter and good mountain biking summer if your into either of those. My mate went there last year and loved it

[hXc]

A trip to Europe would be incredibly broadening, educational, and may just provide the kick in the pants he needs to get politically aware, something that is vital for a future PM. The US doesn't have a Democratic Political system. Most European countries do, and the Scandinavian countries would be thrilled to get a Kiwi in their classrooms and grill him for his perspective on their country and his world view.Pah...Democracy sucks! Anarchy rules!:whocares:
Does this mean I have to go to 1970's London?

[hXc]

How about Canada? Nicer than the US, good skiing winter and good mountain biking summer if your into either of those. My mate went there last year and loved itNot into them. And I always thought it was Canadia. That's where Waylander comes from, right?

[yungatart]

Zac, Jim is right. You need to go where you will learn the most, both about you and the world that you live in. You need to be challenged, your mind broadened along with your horizons. We will help you stump up with the money, wherever you go..(we'll just add it to that never decreasing debt of yours), but I would prefer you to go out of your comfort zone, ie a non - English speaking, non - Westminster political system.
It will be the making of you - now harden up!!

[hXc]

...but I would prefer you to go out of your comfort zone, ie a non - English speaking, non - Westminster political system.
It will be the making of you - now harden up!!
Suva, Iraq, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Afganistan etc etc.
Antartica could be a bit lonely though?

[yungatart]

Sweden, Norway, Germany, Italy, Dubai, France, Spain, Brazil, Venezuala, Japan.....

[Ixion]

I think the language difficulty is overrated. I have spent some time waffling about in various parts of Asia, including some where a non-Asian was unusaual enough to have people coming out their homes to stare.

I speak not a word of any Asian language (except that I do know how to say "Stop that elephant" in mandarin - which is very useful and comforting).

I have not found it to be a problem.

[Ixion]

Sweden, Norway, Germany, Italy, Dubai, France, Spain, Brazil, Venezuala, Japan.....

Borrrinnnngggg

Kurzakstan. Georgia. Lithuania. Patagonia. Cuba . The Orkneys. Greenland. Iceland. Belize. Chad. Sudan. The opportunities are endless.

[James Deuce]

Iceland would be cool. I've always wanted to go there. Weirder people than even the Finns. Look at Bjork and The Sugarcubes for instance.

[Ixion]

Just DO it.

Use the technique I found very good in India. Go to the railway station. Select a platform at random. Get on the first train that comes along, regardless of where it is going. Rinse, lather repeat. Very interetsing experiences . Substitute airport.

You may have to take a firm line with officious conductors who think you should have obtained a ticket before boarding. As I patiently explained to them, how can one take a ticket when one knows not whither one is bound. In the end they always saw my point of view (I was always perfectly happy, of course, to pay the appropriate fare to where-ever I did find myself headed)

[James Deuce]

Pah...Democracy sucks! Anarchy rules!:whocares:
Does this mean I have to go to 1970's London?

No, Post Victorian through to the mid-'30s England would be the place to go to Study Anarchy as a Political Movement.

You're wrong though. Dadaism rules.

[McJim]

Hey dude - I'll talk to you when I'm down in Napier - forget the agencies mate - My mum sent me to work on a vinyard in Italy when I was 14 - proper character building - hard graft in 42 degree sunshine - great food - great girls and fabulous wine.

[yungatart]

Hey dude - I'll talk to you when I'm down in Napier - forget the agencies mate - My mum sent me to work on a vinyard in Italy when I was 14 - proper character building - hard graft in 42 degree sunshine - great food - great girls and fabulous wine.

Can she send me too? What were the guys like..mmmm, Italian men ....

[R6_kid]

i went to new caledonia on a defence force exchange when i was 14, i had to have studied french for a yaer (i learnt f-all but did the classes anyway) travel etc was all paid for care of the tax-payer. Was 10 days there in return for having a French kid here for 10 days. Of course all our activities were pretty much pre-planned but it was a wicked time.

New Caledonia is an awesome place to meet good looking girls, learn french (good when you come back for picking up hot girls), out of the city some of the beaches are 'paradise' like, and you can practice your maths too because some shit there is way over-priced. It's a cheap alternative to going to Froggie-france and also far less polluted.

Personally i'd love to go to the US or Aussie and spend a few months on a large station/ranch working with live-stock. Of course all the hot chicks are in Europe, and if you are lucky you'll even get to drop in on a round or two of the MotoGP.

According to my well travelled English teacher the hottest girls are in Spain, so thats always a good option.

Alternatively if you want to learn some appreciation for what you've got here in NZ you could always sign up to do some social work in South America etc, there are a lot of agencies around that do that sort of thing, i think Oxfam runs something to that effect.

Otherwise get a working-holiday overseas... might pay to wait til your 18 (or 21 in some cases) to fully enjoy that type of experience though.

[Ixion]

One most invaluable tip. If you intend to sojourn in any of the Aisian or African countries, do ensure that you obtain and take with you a "pith helmet" (strictly, a solar topi).

I can , from personal experience, unreservedly recommend them , they are absolutely wonderful in hot climates. I would never travel without mine, it makes ALL the difference. I obtained mine, many years ago, in Middle Road Singapore, before it was pulled down, but you can obtain effective replicas, in several designs, at the Army Surplus store in K Rd (where one obtains gaiters, opposite the billboard of the chick with the bodacious bristols - you can't miss them).

Quite seriously, if headed for hot climes, get one before you leave, you will never regret it.

(A good mosquito net is also absolutely essential - from the same place)

[marty]

my 14 (now 15) year old son has recently come back from a 4 month exchange in germany. fantastic experience - went to france, switzerland, poland. visited 1000 year old places. learnt a conversation amount of german and some french.

he's been to Aussie, the UK and USA on family holidays, and to Austin Texas and Reno Nevada on 2 week long return exchanges through school, and now after being to europe, even he at now 15 realises that diversity and cultural experience is much richer in europe.

that is not to say that there are not fantastic experiences and people to meet in the USA - there are many - it's just from my experience that the culture is not far enough removed from our own to be of any (compared to a true foreign country's) learning and experience value.

[James Deuce]

According to my well travelled English teacher the hottest girls are in Spain, so thats always a good option.



Until they turn 30 when they grow a mustache and go bald down the part line in the middle of their head.

[hXc]

Hey dude - I'll talk to you when I'm down in Napier - forget the agencies mate - My mum sent me to work on a vinyard in Italy when I was 14 - proper character building - hard graft in 42 degree sunshine - great food - great girls and fabulous wine.The agencies keep you safe when things go wrong and they put you with a family etc. it works out a lot better...And cheaper.


New Caledonia blah blahBeen there. Was great fun but I want something different to that.

[xwhatsit]

Iceland would be cool. I've always wanted to go there. Weirder people than even the Finns. Look at Bjork and The Sugarcubes for instance.


Iceland is very cool. I know a lot of 'Slandics because my pa works for an Icelandic company. Hard-drinking, hard-partying, right into all kinds of eclectic music (I'd add another name to Björk and The Sugarcubes -- Sigur Rós), very modern and fascinating culture. Lots of very cool architecture, as well. They're such a young country -- even back in the early 1900s, there was no city, everybody was agricultural and couldn't read, no electricity anywhere, or proper roads. Such a fast track to where they are now -- which is having a very strong influence in European business. There's only about 300,000 people in Reykjavík, yet they have a massive influence and control in Europe.

If I was exchanging, I'd consider Asia first (either Japan or Hong Kong), then I'd think about Iceland. Definitely don't go to the USA -- as Jim2 so succinctly put it, you won't learn anything you can't see on TV.

And as somebody who's a tertiary level music student (not in rock, though, like you are I think), I know for a fact that contemporary music is no longer the sole domain of the USA and their record companies. Places like MySpace are great -- I know a few kiwis who've made lots of contacts through strategies like that, and have never left NZ. Try and get on those indy mp3 sites -- you won't make much money when you only get 5c a song, but it's a great way to get exposure if you're any good.

America is really too culturally alike, it won't do much for you at all. You might as well go to Australia. Definitely go somewhere non-English speaking -- I'll tell you something from one musician to another -- learning a language does wonders for your auditory skills. Especially something like Cantonese, where there are 7-9 tones. But even another Germanic language does sharpen up your auditory recognition a fair bit.

[MotoGirl]

Just a quick note about EF - I'd be cautious about going on exchange through them. We had two exchange students: one German and one Norwegian.

When things turned pear shaped with our second student, EF didn't even attempt to rehome him - EF (New Zealand) used some bullshit excuse about not having a place for him to go. They don't have the infrastructure to house/rehome you if it doesn't work out with your host family.

To get the best out of your exchange experience, you need to go with an organisation that will take care of your best interests. IMO, I don't think EF does that for its students.

[Macktheknife]

As an idea, I think you should definitely go for it. Hell yeah!.
But I would also say to go somewhere different, as different to here as you can stand. Any european country would be great, even Russia could be interesting. My next choice would be Asia. The whole idea is getting out of what you know and are comfortable with, to stretch yourself, to push your boundaries and discover not only yourself but also others and what the rest of the world is really like.
If you are not going to do this... then stay home, seriously. If you make a half assed job of it you will always regret it.
Be bold and enjoy the adventure of not knowing everything that will come from that.

[hXc]

Iceland is very cool. I know a lot of 'Slandics because my pa works for an Icelandic company. Hard-drinking, hard-partying, right into all kinds of eclectic music (I'd add another name to Björk and The Sugarcubes -- Sigur Rós), very modern and fascinating culture. Lots of very cool architecture, as well. They're such a young country -- even back in the early 1900s, there was no city, everybody was agricultural and couldn't read, no electricity anywhere, or proper roads. Such a fast track to where they are now -- which is having a very strong influence in European business. There's only about 300,000 people in Reykjavík, yet they have a massive influence and control in Europe.Ahhh...But find an exchange program that does Iceland.


To get the best out of your exchange experience, you need to go with an organisation that will take care of your best interests. IMO, I don't think EF does that for its students.Ok, didn't know that. Would you reccomend anyone else in particular?

[Colapop]

I'd recommend Denmark. Great place to travel from, not the normal place people go, and great history/people. Or Chile - you'll see/experience things you'll never forget.

[MotoGirl]

Ok, didn't know that. Would you reccomend anyone else in particular?

Hmm, not sure I'm afraid. I knew exchange students at school (10 years ago) and they were happy, but I don't know who they came through.

I'd definitely interview your potential exchange organisation before you choose who you'll go through. You should ask them some curly questions about how they handle conflict in the home and deal with any issues etc.

You could even speak with students who've returned home - ask them about their experiences with that organisation. I don't see any reason why you can't ask for references, afterall, it's your life for a year!

[hXc]

I'd recommend Denmark. Great place to travel from, not the normal place people go, and great history/people. Or Chile - you'll see/experience things you'll never forget.What is Denmark like? Climate and food etc?

[Dilligaf]

I did an exchange privately with a French family in Vanuatu for a month. My mum organised it and it ended up being friends of friends of friends. (of friends...) Each family had a young un about the same age and we did a month in each other's country. Each family paid own airfares and then gave each child spending money and then living expenses were picked up by each family. It was a really cheap way of organising an exchange. I think I was 14 or 15 at the time....
I can recommend this kind of thing if you are looking for a cheaper way. Put the word out, you'd be surprised who knows who around the world....

[Grub]

Ahhh...But find an exchange program that does Iceland.


OK ... I googled ' "Icelend" AND "Student Exchange" ' and selected pages from new zealand. There's heaps there, mainly university exchanges but also a pdf that shows AFS departures for Iceland take place in July.

I have come to knw some of the people and a little about the country through an international photographic group. It's a VERY modern and VERY progressive country and the people and economy are far more advanced than many other western nations

They bat above their weight

[hXc]

Hmmm. After reading all the replies saying don't go to the US, go to Europe etc I've been thinking. I keep coming back to 'home'; Finland. I guess Finland it is then. I'll fly out July next year, I need to raise $12,000 plus my own money to get there.

Dover suggested becoming a man-whore, any other ideas?

[hXc]

I've registered interest with AFS to go to Finland. I will recieve a confirmation email to my enquiry within two weeks and I shall post accordingly.

[BuFfY]

Hmmm. After reading all the replies saying don't go to the US, go to Europe etc I've been thinking. I keep coming back to 'home'; Finland. I guess Finland it is then. I'll fly out July next year, I need to raise $12,000 plus my own money to get there.

Dover suggested becoming a man-whore, any other ideas?

You will do wonderfully as a man whore... but I wouldn't take advice from dover... he is dodgy as!

[Colapop]

What is Denmark like? Climate and food etc?
I liked it. Cold dark winters for sure - but long hot summers (not much in the middle) Food is relatively normal as you'd ecpect for northern europe. It has a fairly relaxed atmosphere to it. There was a good music scene from memory - in saying that I'm not a muso so...? What do I know?

[scracha]

idealistic chap like yourself would be treated in a conservative bastion of polygamy and religious zealotry.

Polygamy...hey...Utah doesn't seem so bad for a young man!





Edit: Just looked at Buffy's post below - GO somewhere that English ISN'T the main language. It is an effective way of losing the perspective that you belong to the the dominant global uber-tribe.

Totally agree with the non-English speaking thing.

Actually...as nobody understands my Scots tongue then maybe you could do an exchange with my 19 year old sister back in Scotland.

[hXc]

Actually...as nobody understands my Scots tongue then maybe you could do an exchange with my 19 year old sister back in Scotland.Hahaha ooh...Is she hot? I can understand Scots, except when they start yelling. Or if they're very drunk.

[jrandom]

I can understand Scots, except when they start yelling. Or if they're very drunk.

So... you're saying you can never understand Scots. Right?

[peique]

The US will do nothing to add to Zac's life experience, that he can't get from television.
Yes, it will.


A trip to Europe would be incredibly broadening, educational, and may just provide the kick in the pants he needs to get politically aware, something that is vital for a future PM.
Just like any other place in the world would.


The US doesn't have a Democratic Political system.
Yes, it does.


The US would just try to make him one of them.
No, it wouldn't.


Brazil
That's a good option!

Go wherever you feel like and choose a school that has dormitories if you can.

[James Deuce]

That's not an argument peique. I want my 5 pounds back.

[scracha]

So... you're saying you can never understand Scots. Right?

Much the same here. I can't understand kiwi's apart from then they're arguing or talking about how good Australia is.

[dawnrazor]

The US will do nothing to add to Zac's life experience, that he can't get from television. The US would just try to make him one of them.


Thats got to be the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard...I lived in the US for 3yrs and it changed my life 100% for the better. To dismiss an entire country the size of the states is asinine. To dismiss americans on media reports is also flawed. To deny yourself the influence exposure to America is futile. To experience it yourself is priceless.

I'm not saying its the only place to consider or the right place, but it has as much to offer as anywhere else, except maybe Iran or Iraq or North Korea...

[hXc]

Well I rang AFS just before, regarding any Finnish students in Hawkes Bay I could talk to about the country etc etc. As it's not a very common language, there are no teachers here so I have to learn it myself.

Well turns out that a Finnish girl arrived in Napier in the weekend for an exchange. I've been invited to the AFS meeting next Sunday, so that's the day I get to meet the first Finnish person I've ever met.

The only part I'm not liking so far...is the *gulp* $18,000 including spending money and vaccinations etc.

[James Deuce]

Thats got to be the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard...I lived in the US for 3yrs and it changed my life 100% for the better. To dismiss an entire country the size of the states is asinine. To dismiss americans on media reports is also flawed. To deny yourself the influence exposure to America is futile. To experience it yourself is priceless.

I'm not saying its the only place to consider or the right place, but it has as much to offer as anywhere else, except maybe Iran or Iraq or North Korea...

Don't take it so darn personally.

[James Deuce]

Well I rang AFS just before, regarding any Finnish students in Hawkes Bay I could talk to about the country etc etc. As it's not a very common language, there are no teachers here so I have to learn it myself.

Well turns out that a Finnish girl arrived in Napier in the weekend for an exchange. I've been invited to the AFS meeting next Sunday, so that's the day I get to meet the first Finnish person I've ever met.

The only part I'm not liking so far...is the *gulp* $18,000 including spending money and vaccinations etc.

Yeah, but I bet you get a free Nokia phone that's gruntier than your PC out of it.

[Keystone19]

Congratulations. AFS to Finland is the way to go.

I was an exchange student in Finland (Rotary) when I was 17 and spent a year there. It was the most amazing, exciting, rewarding, life changing experience and has shaped me in ways that are still now only becoming clear.

Finland is a beautiful country with the most amazing people - yes, they have a very dry sense of humour, don't say much, drink a lot, and party a lot, but they are also amazing sportspeople, kind, generous and will look after you.

I did not say a word of Finnish for the first 6 months of my trip despite living with a family who spoke no English. After that first 6 months I just started talking and to this day can still hold a brief conversation in Finnish. It is rated as the third most difficult language in the world to learn but I wouldn't worry about it. It's amazing what sign language will achieve.

Don't forget the four rules of being an exchange student - no drinking, no driving, no dating and no drugs...PM me for more details...:innocent:

[Keystone19]

Well I rang AFS just before, regarding any Finnish students in Hawkes Bay I could talk to about the country etc etc. As it's not a very common language, there are no teachers here so I have to learn it myself.

Well turns out that a Finnish girl arrived in Napier in the weekend for an exchange. I've been invited to the AFS meeting next Sunday, so that's the day I get to meet the first Finnish person I've ever met.

The only part I'm not liking so far...is the *gulp* $18,000 including spending money and vaccinations etc.

It will be worth every penny.

[Finn]

Agree with Jim2 on Finland. Forget about it. Sweden, Denmark or Norway would be the pick. Don't go to England! Sitting at pubs with kiwi's getting pissed is not an OE. You can do that here.

[dawnrazor]

Don't take it so darn personally.

I'm not.

It must have been shock, is all. I have got used to reading astute, intelligent posts from you, balanced, considered and fair...and then this...interesting...

[hXc]

Yeah, but I bet you get a free Nokia phone that's gruntier than your PC out of it.What do you mean by this? I get a free Nokia phone?

[dawnrazor]

What do you mean by this? I get a free Nokia phone?

No he means Nokia are probably the Fins best known corporation (globally speaking), and as such a successful company they must give turbo charged next generation phones to the good citizens and other misfortunets who live in Finland...stands to reason, don't you think.

[hXc]

Ahhh...Just clicked with the Nokia thing.

[MikeyG]

I did an exchange back in 97. Lived in Bolivia for the year. My advice is go for it.

My personal opinion on destinations is to go somewhere with a different language and different culture. Don't worry if you can't speak the language, round the world there are enough people with some english for you to get by and you will pick up a new language real quick once you are immersed in it.

As for the money a lot of the exchange organisations do scholorships. Some companies have scholorships for the kids of their employees to do exchanges as well.

An exchange is a great experience, don't let the money stop you.

[MisterD]

As far as Scandinavia is concerned, don't sweat the language thing - the standard of English spoken by the average Swede is fantastic, at least in the bigger towns.

However, they are reasonably expensive places to live, you will need to develop a taste for preserved fish (gravadlax mmmm) and during the winter there is so little daylight the national pasttimes are sex and suicide...hey but the chicks are gorgeous - it is not a myth. Oh, you've got a gf, go and live with the Mormons then, they're into polygamy aye.

[MSTRS]

The language thing is a good point. How many countries is Finnish spoken in? If one is to go to the trouble of learning a language, wouldn't one want to be able to use it elsewhere? ie. Spanish...

[riffer]

Yes but Scandanavian girls are hotter... :dodge:

[Colapop]

I dunno Brazilian girls are pretty damn hot!

[MisterD]

I dunno Brazilian girls are pretty damn hot!

But they speak Portuguese there Cola...hasn't Chile just done some kind of visa deal with NZ though?