The Good and the Bad of Previous/Current Exchangers' Blogs

Yes, I realize that's an obnoxiously long title, but that's unimportant. Yes, I realize this is my second post today, but I feel this is something good to share. Anyway, on to the point of this post.

Reading the blogs of current exchange students (inbounds) is often fun and interesting. They help give a bit of insight into what it's like to be an exchange student. The blogs sometimes let you know some useful tips about applications, packing and interviews. You usually get to read great stories and see awesome pictures. You can often also learn a bit about another country through the experiences of another. All those things are great and are what make reading blogs fun. They give you good emotions when thinking about exchange. However, reading inbounders' blogs can also leave you with... not-so-good feelings.

Right now, it's that time when inbounds are preparing to leave their host countries. They're having to say "goodbye" once again. That in itself is sad, but when you really think about it, it's even sadder. Sure, it sucked leaving their family, friends, home and life in their home countries, but they knew they would be back in a year's time. When they're saying "goodbye" now, they have no idea when they'll get to return to what is for many a second home. Some don't know if they will even ever be able to return. They're having to say their goodbyes knowing full well they can never relive that year. Sure, they can come back, but it will never be the same. They'll never again have the opportunity to live as an exchange student. It will never be the same experience.

It's at this time that I hate to read blogs. The inbounds are reminicing about their years. They're making lists of things they'll miss. They're talking about how much they wish they could stay; wish they could relive this year. It makes me think about how that's going to be me in a year's time. It's something I'm not at all looking forward to. If I wasn't confident that my exchange year will be worth the pain at the end, such a realization would almost be enough to make me doubt my resolve to go through with this. However, I am confident. I know this year will be amazing. It will be worth any pain, any hardships I'll face. But I also know that it's up to me to make it so. I'm the one who has to make this next year amazing. I know I can do it. I will do it. No doubt about it.

Bis später