What does an exchange year really mean to me?

Since being an exchange student in the US, I have asked myself what exactly does an exchange year mean for me? I associate it with a lot of new friendships, a new culture, new experiences, independence, and of course, a new family. But I think the most important factor for me is growth. We grow everyday but going to another country on your own at the age of 16 changes you in a different way. You'll experience things other people will never get the chance to see. Sure, an exchange year isn't all sunshine and rainbows, it's a challenge. We, as exchange students, face new challenges every day that other people don't even think about. They don't have to worry about fitting into a new family and trying to do everything correctly so that your new family doesn't regret hosting you. This is just one example but exchange is a huge challenge. It is difficult to fit into a new culture while trying to share parts of your own culture and experiencing as much as possible.

Personally, I think one of the hardest parts of exchange is living two lives at the same time. Yes, you are in a new country and you have a new family, new friends, etc. but there's still a part of you in your home country. You have to cheer for your family's and friends' achievements from afar. You'll watch them hit milestones, celebrate birthdays, and holidays without you. You can't be there to offer your support whenever life gets a little harder. Even though you're not physically there, a part of you is always mentally back in your home country. And you will start missing these moments, your home, and your everyday life there in the most random moments. I saw a picture of snowy mountains and they reminded me of our family vacations every winter. Even though these moments can be hard sometimes, they're also there to remind you that you'll only get this opportunity once and that soon you'll be missing your new home the same way you're now missing your old home. 

The ups and down of an exchange year are unique for everyone and we all face different challenges. Some people may have the best year of their life and others won't and that is ok because in the end, we'll all look back and see how we've grown and how lucky we are to be able to experience this. 

My exchange wasn't perfect by all means but if people ask me if I'd do it again my answer will always be yes. This year with all its challenges and opportunities has been so worth it for me and I don't regret filling out the application at all.