My stay abroad
I spent 5 months at a High School in Canada and so far, it was the best thing I have ever done. I made a lot of friends and we are still in touch, even 2 years later.
I can only encourage everybody, who would like to meet another culture and who has no issues to adjust to a new way of life, to spend a semester or even an entire year abroad.
Personally, for me, it has always been a dream to live in another country and when I heard that there is the possibility to do that, I was really excited.
First, I went to the Jugendbildungsmesse, which is a really good opportunity to get a general view of the different organizations and their offers.
Then, I quickly decided to go to Canada because you are able to choose the province and the school without any additional money. As soon as you are accepted by the school, they will look for a host family. Also, as an international student, you do not require a visa. In fact there is only very little to prepare.
I decided to go with Breidenbach Educational Consulting, a very small organization that convinced me with their service. Before I left, there was a meeting with some other students to prepare ourselves a bit for our big journey. Also, I could always call an emergency number in case I had a problem with my host family. However, this does not happen often.
About one month before I left I got a mail from my future family. They seemed to be very kind and I was really happy. They had two boys at home, the eldest is my age. Furthermore, the mother is a teacher at my High School, which is quite practical too. They live in a residential area of a small town, approximately about 10 minutes away from the school.
Right from the first moment, we got along very well.
The school was very big, it had about 2,000 students. In the first few days I was with two other international students, who had just arrived and we usually spent the break in the international room, which was a room only for the 15 international students at the school. However, the teacher who was responsible for us gave me the hint to go to the gym as there are always some students doing sports. The next day I joined them and we became friends and also met after school or at the weekends.
If you really want to experience a new culture, you should definitely not hang around with other international students.
At a Canadian High School, it is normal to sign up for a school club or sports team that takes place after school.
I signed up for the rugby team and ever since, rugby has ruled my life. We practised every day and had games at the weekend.
It is a great opportunity to get in touch with some people and make friends.
In the end, the 5 months flew by and I was very sad when I had to go back to Germany. However, I went back in the holidays to visit my host family and some friends.
I would definitely go abroad again but I would spent an entire year. 5 months is just a very short period of time.
Jan-Malte Pixius
