Two weeks off school – a waste of valuable study time or a unique life-learning opportunity?

“What is an exchange?”, I hear you ask.  Well, an exchange is exactly what its name implies – and more!  Of course, it is an exchange between two schools of different countries, but it is also an exchange of culture, history, language, traditions, lifestyle, and family.  For those of you who have never been given the opportunity to participate in an exchange, I am sorry.  An exchange, in my humble opinion, is one of the best ways of educating any student, regardless of academic ability or fluency in another language.  It is one of the most valuable and memorable experiences anyone can experience, if it is approached in the correct manner.  It is not merely a chance to get out of a bit of homework, or to miss essays or important assistance with coursework; it is, if approached in the right manner, a most educational and unforgettable event in life which supports, rather than hinders a student’s studies.

Is it just a bit of fun?  Yes, an exchange is about having fun and making friends, but it is also so much more – it is learning at its best.  On an exchange, you can expect hands-on experience, living with new customs, beliefs and views, learning from doing, rather than seeing or being told and sharing and enjoying two weeks or so of a different way of life in a totally alien, yet inviting environment.  It is impossible to learn a language without ever having experienced life in a country in which the language is spoken.  I strongly believe that the best way to learn about a country, a language and a culture is to spend time in a country where it is spoken. It is impossible to develop a complete awareness of language, lifestyle and culture without ever venturing to the ‘real thing’.

My personal experience? I have participated in two exchanges, both to Spain, and on Sunday the 8^th of October, I will go to Spain for my last exchange visit as a student to Valdepeñas, a small town in the region of Castilla–La–Mancha.  When given the opportunity to visit another country to learn about culture, history, geography, language and another way of life, I decided to take two weeks out of school term-time and participate in the Spanish exchange.  Although I have taken part in it previously, revisiting Spain is nonetheless an amazing opportunity for me to improve my cultural, linguistic, historic, and actual awareness.  It is, however important to think deeply about other studies and keeping standards and levels of achievement at their best.  Languages are a necessity in today’s world.  You cannot expect the world to move on without moving with it.  Not only will it help me with my Hispanic studies; it will help me in learning about life, responsibility, the importance of participation and commitment to any matter in hand.  As a language student (Spanish, German and English Language), I am fascinated by language and learning about other lifestyles and cultures. Unfortunately, I have never been provided with the opportunity to go to a German-speaking country to improve on my language skills.

My advice to you?  If you yourself are considering going on an exchange, make sure you understand that, as well as being fun, an exchange is also an educational visit and, in order to appreciate the experience fully, you must be aware of the commitment and responsibility you will have both during and after the exchange, to your studies, to your new friends, and to your new-found love: the country. I have fallen in love with Spain and it is from my visits there that I have developed and insatiable desire to continue my connections with the country. Which country will steal your heart?

By Me, Sherrie Roberts