Sonia went on her SCCE student exchange program to Germany for 5 months in 2019. Her review gives a wonderful idea of the adventures and emotions you can expect on your own student exchange journey! Enjoy!

How would you rate your overall experience? 
Excellent. I had the most incredible 5 months, there are no words to describe how amazing this has been. I have met so many amazing people and have seen what it’s really like to live in a tiny village. I already know that I will never forget this experience!

How would you rate your school experience? 
Excellent. I met so many nice people at school that were so supportive and always there to help. It was so hard to say goodbye but I’m sure we’ll stay in contact.

How was your relationship with your host family/families?
Excellent. I now have another family in Germany that are always there for me and I am always there for them. I love them so much and miss them already so much! But I know we’ll stay in contact and see each other soon again 🙂

How would you rate your local coordinator during your stay abroad?
Excellent. My local coordinator, Phillip was always there if I needed help or had any questions. He also checked up on me every now and then to see if everything was okay.

How did you find your orientation in your host country?
I thought the preparation material was exactly what I needed to know for my exchange. I could always refer back to it if I had any questions and it stated a lot of good tips on how to get along well with host family and school friends.

What was the greatest challenge that you faced on exchange?
My host sister and I are very different but at the same time very similar. We both have the same outlook on life but ok the outside are quite different. I’m more reserved at first and she always says it as it is. At first I thought I was doing something wrong because I feel like she was judging me. I could solve this through having a conversation with her and realising that that wasn’t the case.

What was the most rewarding part of your exchange?
The realisation that I had made my own new friends in a school in Germany in German and that I could communicate quite well in German and with my host family. Also the realisation that my host family became really like a family to me 🙂

Do you have any advice for future exchange students? 
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because everyone makes mistakes it’s part of the experience. Be yourself, get involved and enjoy every moment. Yes your exchange will come to an end eventually, but don’t focus on that, focus on the days that you still have with your host family and friends.

Would you recommend SCCE to other students? 
Yes

Thanks for your review Sonia!