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Exchange Reflection - Coggle Diagram
Exchange Reflection
Independence
Being in a completely different country poses many challenges and you need to be able to fend for yourself and be completely independent.
You will have some support in terms of the school and your exchange family. However, it is quite daunting that your entire support system is on the other side of the world.
I feel an exchange is done the best when you are reliant on your exchange partner whilst also making your own lane.
You have to be willing to be completely responsible and organize trips by yourself. Your parents are so far away, that for the first time in your life you are completely responsible.
I feel the value of an exchange cannot be overstated as I feel prepared for university to be independent and make friends in any environment. My exchange has taught me independence like no other experience could.
Networking
I have made countless amazing friends on my exchange. I truly believe many of these friends are people i will keep in contact with and hopefully see later on in my life.
Going to study at a university in the UK has always been a dream of mine. That is why the network I built over my exchange in England is so valuable. Being at the same university as one of the mates I made overseas would be a dream come true.
I have made a lifetime friend in my exchange partner. I will always have a place to stay in the UK and he will always have a place to stay here.
I also have a much better understanding of how the UK works and how UK universities work. This is so valuable because I see myself studying in the UK.
Global Perspective
The most valuable thing I learned from my exchange was a new perspective on the world. I have realised how many opportunities there are in and outside of South Africa.
Going on an exchange shows you how other education systems operate. You get to see people from a different culture at school. I have taken many lessons from this that I use at Bishops.
Whilst on my exchange i went on two separate trips around Europe which broadened my horizon even wider. Europe is such a culturally and historically rich place. My trips around Europe were extremely enrichening.
Adaptability
Adapting to living in a new country, without your parents, is a huge challenge and requires one to adapt.
Although the UK is similar to South Africa, it is definitely a different culture and country and requires a few small changes to fit in with their culture.
Adjusting to going to a new school for the first time in my life was a shock but also very enjoyable. Going to a co-ed school was something I really enjoyed.
Enjoyment
I can confidently say my 4 months away on exchange were 4 of the best months of my life. I thoroughly enjoyed my exchange and wouldn't trade that experience for anything.
The memories and friends I made on exchange will no doubt last a lifetime. I will never forget my exchange experience and am extremely grateful for it.
The fact that I could learn so much and have so much fun at the same time is truly blessing. I feel it allowed me to grow so much as a person