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.

[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...

[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...

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.