Can you imagine yourself leaving everything you know behind and starting a completely new life on the other side of the world? If that idea springs up even a spark of excitement in you, that is a sign to go abroad as an exchange student. The growth you’ll experience is endless—not only as a person, but as a global citizen. “Since being an exchange student, I feel more confident in trying new things,” said Ruth Nassali, who has traveled from Uganda to spend a year here in Washington. Throughout your exchange, you’ll learn more about yourself than you could ever imagine, because you’ll have experiences that force you far out of your comfort zone. In a world where understanding and perspective are as important as ever, the experience of exchange will shape what kind of person you become.

First of all, being an exchange student helps you develop many necessary life skills and personal qualities. It is the perfect way to become more independent, as you’ll live in a new environment with new people. You’ll have to kickstart your adult life by learning how to handle challenges on your own and manage yourself in difficult situations, such as adjusting to a host family or trying to fit into a new school. All of these experiences strengthen your problem-solving skills and help build your resilience. “I think I’ve learned to tolerate and be more open with people. I am now comfortable in situations I wasn’t before,” said Danish exchange student Laura Brandsborg. Living in an unfamiliar environment forces you to adapt to a new lifestyle, as the day-to-day life will be completely different from what you are used to. As you overcome the difficulties of unfamiliarity, you’ll realize that you grow into a more confident person who can use past experiences to make mature decisions in the future. “I’ve definitely grown up during this year; it’s a slow change that I’ve only started noticing when I look back at where I started,” said Italian exchange student Elena Spadaro (12), who has spent her year here in Gig Harbor.

In addition to personal growth, you’ll come to understand how important it is to be compassionate and caring about others. By being thrown into a completely different culture, with new traditions, customs, and norms, you’ll learn how to be open-minded and respectful. It is important to be curious and willing to learn about the things that are new to you. “I feel like I have a better understanding of the different cultures, having been exposed to so many of them through a different variety of people,” said Nassali. Showing genuine interest in the culture around you will naturally attract people who share your curiosity and are willing to learn from you as well. It becomes a two-way exchange, building mutual respect and understanding of the fact that we are all different people with different values. “My view on the world has changed as well. Meeting new people from all over the world, with different perspectives, languages, and cultures, made me realize that the world is not just the city I was born in; there is so much more to explore and discover,” said Spadaro. Over time, you’ll grow used to the customs of your host country and start looking at your own culture through a different lens. That is when you stop thinking of cultures as better or worse, just different. Your ability to understand and consider other people will expand your worldview and appreciation of diversity.

Furthermore, a year abroad will add tremendous value to both your academic and professional future. Employers and universities greatly value candidates who demonstrate the ability to venture beyond their comfort zones. By being willing to take risks and embrace new experiences, you show great courage, adaptability, and initiative—valuable traits that stand out. During the exchange you’ll likely encounter a different education system that challenges you to learn in new ways. In most cases, you’ll also be surrounded by a foreign language. Although it may be difficult at first, your language abilities and understanding will grow through constant immersion. “My English has gotten better, giving me more opportunities for university and a future career,” said Spadaro. By the end of the year, you may be able to understand and communicate the language fluently—an incredibly valuable skill that opens up many opportunities later in life.

Amongst all the benefits of being an exchange student, the most valuable one will be the relationships you make along the way. You’ll realize that the people you connected with have impacted your life in countless ways. Returning home, you’ll have more than just memories—you’ll have an extended family and lifelong friendships. “Each family has different dynamics and values that I’ve truly come to respect and be grateful to be a part of. They truly are like a second family to me,” said Nassali. Although it will be bittersweet to leave, you’ll realize that what you’ve gained from this experience isn’t temporary—these connections will last a lifetime. “I’ve gotten to know so many incredible people and have made so many friends for life that I’m already so excited to go visit,” said Brandsborg. To put it shortly, you’ll have a new home on the other side of the world.

All in all, going on an exchange year is an invaluable experience that will make you rich with lifelong memories. You’ll gain essential life skills such as independence, adaptability, and confidence, as well as extend your perspective on the world. By being immersed in a new lifestyle, you’ll grow your understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, which is valuable to you both as a global citizen and for your future career. Most importantly, though, you’ll develop important relationships with people from all over the world. By the end of the year, your heart will be full of meaningful memories and sincere emotions as you realize that what you just experienced wasn’t just a year in your lifetime—it was a lifetime in a year.