I’ve been back to visit since my exchange, and it’s really like visiting family members. These are people I lived with for so long, and they were like actual parental figures, brothers, and sisters to me. When you live with each other for long enough, and have great memories together, it feels like family.
Honestly, my exchange has influenced everything in my life. It changes your connections, can impact where you want to live, and help you decide what you want to do with your life. It changes everything.
They say there is a reverse culture shock whenever you come back, because you will have changed a lot too. Now I feel like I’m half American, half Belgian with my values and how I see things. My exchange made a big impact on my perspective on the world.
One of my best memories is when my mom visited me and we got to visit her host families from 30 years ago. I really enjoyed seeing new places but mostly meeting those amazing people. Nothing had changed between them and my mom even after all that time.
My counselors were really protective and took care of me so generously! I knew I wasn’t alone and could count on them. My district chairwoman was always taking care of the exchange students like we were her kids, and she was always smiling and happy! Thank you Rotary!
I met amazing people from all around the world and we really created a family. I have so many good memories with my people, and I know I will never forget them. These relationships are made forever!
I came back from my exchange as a different person. I’m more responsible now, with more confidence and maturity, less timidity, and I have a new vision of life. I was surrounded by so many great people and it wouldn’t have been possible without the Rotary.
I had a whole year to understand a culture that is different from mine. Now, I’m always very interested in understanding other people’s feelings and their vision of the world.
Going on exchange helped me become more independent, adaptable, and open minded. I realized how much beauty we can find in what’s different.
I was worried my friends and family would miss me too much, and that could have an impact on my exchange. But time flew! I was always busy with new things to discover and sharing time with my host families and new friends. I didn’t have time to feel nostalgic about my life in Belgium.