No Expectations

This blog post is simple. I just want to say to all the people who are interested in studying abroad that:

 NO EXCHANGE IS EXACTLY THE SAME

From day 1 there will be differences. I am fortunate to have a girl from Florida like I am who went to the same city I am going to and even the same private school system. This does not mean that our years abroad will be the same. As similar as exchanges can be, none are ever the exact same. Applying for a visa for Japan is not the same as applying for one for Brazil or Thailand. Schools will be different and host families will have different dynamics. Every step of the way there are differences. The important thing is to understand that and take the blows as they come. 

Myself and Halsey (the student who went to the same area I am going to)