Being on an exchange program usually involves going to another country for a period of time.
During this period, the student will attend classes and complete the assigned tasks.
However, from Monday to Friday and especially on weekends, students will have free time. In this article, we will tell you how to get the most out of a short exchange program.
The priority is to make the most of the time. Studying the chosen study program will come first and then enjoying everything new.
Therefore, going to class and doing your homework will keep you busy for a good part of the week, and that’s a good thing.
If the native language is not that of the host country, learning that new language is also a top priority.
We cannot overstate the importance of learning other languages for personal and professional life.
The more open the social life is, the faster the progress in the foreign language level will increase.
Daily activities, such as watching TV with the host family, signing up for sports, watching movies, etc. are activities that will undoubtedly help you a lot.
Become a host family and make a difference in someone’s life.
OUR PRACTICAL TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP:
1- USE AN AGENDA
We recommend that you use an agenda. It may sound boring, but this tool can help you set goals and objectives. Your daily activities and the time you dedicate to them:
- Mark in your diary the hours in which you go to class
- Schedule the hours in which you will do your tasks; For example, if your classes are in the morning, you could go home for lunch afterwards, take a nap (if you usually do).
- Schedule your social and sports activities. They are just as important as going to class and learning.
2. Your money
Take control of your expenses. It is advisable that you spend less than you have.
Saving an amount for contingencies will be a smart option.
If you have the habit of saving small amounts every day, in less than you think you will accumulate a large amount of money.
3. Your studies
Reviewing daily and keeping the contents up to date is an appropriate way to carry out the program, getting the most out of it.
By previously studying the topic covered in class, you will have a broader knowledge of it and you will be able to ask more in-depth questions to the teachers.
4. Free time
Now for the good part: the dolce non fare niente.
The use of the agenda, which we recommend above, helps you make the most of your free time.
Meet and find out the events, parties, concerts or tournaments of your interest.
Sign up for those that interest you and meet people like you.
These activities can range from playing a soccer game with your classmates. Going to the mall, a nearby tourist spot, or traveling a little further on the weekends.
Especially during those weekend trips, it is good to be informed about the different attractions of the tourist destination to organize your day planner so that you can visit as many tourist attractions as possible. On the other hand, the events can range from participating in a tradition or festival (by the way, there are many in Spain), to going to a live concert.
Another recommendation to make the most of your time is that you get informed about public transport schedules (so you don’t have to waste time waiting for buses and trains) and also about the different rates that exist. It might surprise you that, sometimes, going by plane to a place costs the same or just a little more than getting there by train or bus. In any case, these are only general recommendations. You can make the adjustments you want to do things as you see fit. In the end, the important thing is that you are happy during your exchange program.
