My name is Helen, I come from Germany, and I have been an AFS student in Auckland for the past five months during my exchange to New Zealand.
I wanted to do an exchange year to experience a different culture
from a different view than just travelling somewhere for 2 weeks. I chose AFS to accompany me on this journey since it prepared me well and gave me the opportunity to meet other exchange students with the same fears and hopes as me. Already getting to know a few people and getting into speaking English in the welcoming camp has helped me gain enough confidence to approach people at school and speak more openly with my host family. Although I was a bit scared of what living in a host family would be like, it truly amazed me how fast I felt like a part of the family and how quickly they grew on me.
I originally wasn’t sure about going to New Zealand for my exchange,
since it is quite literally on the other side of the planet, but now I am really glad about it. New Zealand is the most beautiful country I have ever seen. The nature is breathtaking, and even in the big cities like Auckland there are parks which make one feel like standing in the middle of a beautiful forest. What amazed me the most is how present the Māori culture is in everything. I felt honoured to be able to experience typical Māori traditions and becoming a part of the community.
Going on this exchange to New Zealand was the best decision of my life.
I have grown a lot during the past five months. I became more confident in my social skills and was surprised by how quickly I was able to make friends and build relationships with them that will hold a lifetime. My exchange also helped me to live in the moment and not worry about what’s to come as much. During my time here I was much more relaxed and learned to appreciate the little things, since I had no school pressure and much more free time. Overall my exchange to New Zealand helped me grow as a person, and make memories I will never forget.
My advice to future exchange students is to try everything.
If you have the opportunity to go on an exchange year, I would definitely recommend you to do it. When you’re on exchange, if you are not sure if you should approach somebody, just do it and if it doesn’t work that’s fine as well! If you have the opportunity to go on a trip, take it. You only have limited time and even if something goes wrong, regretting to not have done it is much worse.
Ready to immerse yourself in a new culture like Helen? Check out our programmes and start your AFS journey now!
