Hello, my name is ZAGADKA404. Iam from Moscow, Russia. I spent the last nine months in the United States ofAmerica as an international exchange student. If you are interested in being anexchange student soon in the future, here are some of my stories which you mayalso experience in this exciting program.They were big decisions for both myfamily and my host family to join this program. We "SKYPE" from theinternet before I arrived in the U.S. That way we can see each other and have atalk. I remember I could not leave my translator alone while we were talking atfirst. Now when we skype my parents I feel much better translating. I thinkthat was a great idea to skype before you come to the country, so you won'tfeel too nervous to stay with the people you never know before. Also, it is somuch fun to talk with people from different culture backgrounds. My host familywas my first impression of the U.S. And they are very nice. I am honored to bea "member" of this family. They treat me as their own child and helpme in many ways. At first, to help me adjust using English, we played a lot ofsimple card games. It is a wonderful way to learn everyday English and localculture. Besides, it is also a great family bonding time. I enjoyed it a lot. Ihave a seven-year-old host sister. Life never be boring around her. She alwaysdancing, singing and telling youstories which were made up by her. My host family isliving in the state of Texas. People here are famous of warm-hearted andhospitality. They are very proud of their own state. This summer my host family willspend two weeks traveling in Russia with my family. We are all excited aboutthis trip. We all believe that it will be an unforgettable and meaningful trip.I think my biggest harvest in this program is I find another family who love meon the other side of the earth. And I love them with all my heart just like Ilove my own family.American high school is anotherplace where I spent most of my time. The system here is very different fromwhere I come from. Before, I stayed in a same classroom with a same group ofclassmates. Here, I have to go to different classrooms with different people. Ialways got lost at the beginning of the semester. That was interesting thoughand I will always remember those funny stories of me finding classrooms. My hostfamily helped me chose my classes. My favorite class is Art. I had a wonderfultime study in that class. My host mom is a very talented artisteven though she never studied how to painting. Sheintroduced me into this whole world of art. I didn't know I can actually paintor do art works before. With my host mom and my art teacher's help, I won amedal with my first painting ever. We sat together atlunch and had so many interesting conversations. I still feel sad when I thinkof my teachers and friends in my American high school. But I'm sure we willkeep in touch. They helped me so much when I first arrived here and didn'tspeak English very well. They had been very patient and nice to me. They are mygreat treasure and I will keep them in my heart forever.However, peoplewho want to join this exciting exchange programshould be prepared to meet difficulties. It is commonto be nervous because you are going to spent almost ten months in a completelydifferent country and speak another language. It may be hard at first when youare adjusting the culture and language. But you have so many friends and familyto help go through it. And I always believe that I will be stronger after thedifficult things I experienced. I remembered my teacher told me that I shouldalways have a positive mental attitude. I got a chance to learn English in an English speaking country; Ilearned the idea and pride of being a free American; I learned how much you cando to fulfill your dreams and set yourself free. I'm so grateful of my hostfamily, my own family and this wonderful exchange program. I will never forgetthis special and meaningful school year. I enjoyed and loved this awesomeexperience. Dear friends, if you are interested in learning another culture andlanguage, please don't hesitate. You will definitely have a wonderfulexperience with many adorable and friendly people and have fun learningdifferent cultures! That is the way to spend yourmost colorful ages in your lives! Try newthings and go adventures! Thank you!
