My exchange student year :)

Traveling is one of the most important things in my life at the moment. Without being curious about everything, and in particular in other cultures, I would not be where I am - in Canada.

Currently, I am an exchange student from Germany, and I am attending a Canadian High school. I took this decision, to leave my country, family, friends, habits… for 10 month, when I was 13 years old.
I want to be more involved in traveling, see the world with different eyes, and explore everything possible.

To gain this particular experiences, I took this risk, and hey it is worth it!
Let me tell you about my last day I had in Germany. The morning started very early, I ate my last favourite German breakfast, and packed my cosmetics in my suitcase. Then, everything went so fast, we stood at the airport, my friends and family were there. Hugging my friends and my parents “Laura we have to go”. But I wanted to hug my parents longer, why this sudden break? Leaving totally confused, my life behind me, the people I love behind me, turning around, looking for them, but realizing there are people in my way. No last waving, I will not see them for the next 10 month.

Tears followed, but luckily a friend of mine started to talk with me, and I tried to think positive for the great coming future. A year, is not very long. Sitting in the airplane, watching the most confusing movies ever, and waiting till we would arrive in Vancouver.
Finally, we arrived, got the ticket for the next year, and my student visa. I was so exited! Suddenly I realized, the group is going to split now, the support of the German organization will stay in Vancouver.

Left with 5 girls, I have never met before, and since today, never saw again. I sat waiting till the stewardess would call my flight to my life experience. “Flight to Prince George… be ready to go on board”, the stewardess echoed in the speaker. In not even 90 minutes I will see my host family. The flight was faster over as I thought. I slept the whole time.

Little airport - my host family waiting with a sign “Welcome to Canada Laura” - my feeling - where is the exit, I have to go, return, where is the stop button - hugs. Arrived!! The time of my life should start…

Three month after the described day… I kind of feel settled, school is going well, and my host family is awesome. I feel happy and I am enjoying my stay. There were bad days, but mostly nice ones. I experience certain things which I would never like to have in the described moment, but I now I am thankful for them.
But remember, everybody will experience situations in different ways, which is good.

I learned one thing: you can feel depressed, angry, upset, in a bad mood, as long as you find the way out. Take the positive glasses and enjoy your experiences.

Make your own experiences, take a risk, be independent and do something different for yourself.

Enjoy, traveling is the key to it.