Study Abroad

[maxama10]

Well guys Ive been thinking Id really like to go to Europe my junior year for a semester. There are no issues with money or anything of that sort. Id prefer an english speaking country, just to avoid unecesary hardships. Im an A,B Student and going to be a sophmore. I have nothing holding me back either. Any thoughts, advice, or suggestions? Thanks so much guys.
Also I really hate my town and school so it will be nice to get out.
Thanks again.
--Max

[DWill]

Also I really hate my town and school so it will be nice to get out.

That's what college is for.

It is always nice going to a country that speaks a different language, simply because with a little work you end up picking up a lot of the language. However, if you want to go to an English speaking country and can afford to do so, than I say go to England (one of my physics buddies who is from England was telling me how the dorms have pubs underneath them- although he could of been just trying to make me jealous). I have a friend who is backpacking through Italy and France as we speak and she sounds like she is having the time of her life. Really though I think you could go just about anywhere in Europe and have a good time.

[Maggot6]

In 26 days I am leaving to go to Germany for my third year of Highschool. If you have any specific questions, I have dealt with virtually everything in preperation by now, so ask away!

[Muzikman]

I like to study broads...


oh, wait, that's not what you were talking about...nevermind.

[geekwarrior]

I like to study broads...


oh, wait, that's not what you were talking about...nevermind.

that was about the only thing I was good at studying all through college

[Fred]

I did an internship in Germany while in college... and studied abroad for a summer in Italy...

Being in high school and going over may be interesting, but you're much more limited in what you can do and see compared to when you're an adult... I'd wait if I was you... especially if you don't have a good grasp on a major foreign language (like German, Spanish, Italian, or dare I say it, French).

-Fred

[maxama10]

In 26 days I am leaving to go to Germany for my third year of Highschool. If you have any specific questions, I have dealt with virtually everything in preperation by now, so ask away!

Well Id appreciate all you can tell me. I guess im just worried, my grades will drop in a non english speaking country. What do you think? Anything else you could tell me would be great, thanks.

I did an internship in Germany while in college... and studied abroad for a summer in Italy...

Being in high school and going over may be interesting, but you're much more limited in what you can do and see compared to when you're an adult... I'd wait if I was you... especially if you don't have a good grasp on a major foreign language (like German, Spanish, Italian, or dare I say it, French).

-Fred

I plan on going back when I graduate and then possibly staying for college. Im not concerned with the limitations of being young. Also perhaps I will pick up a language and then when I go back after highschool Ill have a grasp on it. Also since then I will be 19 and be able to do more it will be more enjoyable knowing a language. Thanks

[slade]

Well Id appreciate all you can tell me. I guess im just worried, my grades will drop in a non english speaking country. What do you think? Anything else you could tell me would be great, thanks.

well, do you really like languages? are you currently taking multiple languages in advanced levels? are you going into liberal arts or planning to study languages later on? if so, maybe you should go to a non-english speaking country, but if not... i wouldnt recommend it. especially if its just for one year. i was friends with an exchange student from italy, and although she was good at english and i could speak with her fluently (most of the time) her grades did drop. i have another friend who was in germany for multiple years, and it took at least a year to become competent in school, and another to become a good student.

then again, this is coming from the kid who suffered through spanish and french in elementary/middle school without learning anything, then through 3 years of latin relying on memorization of translations from www.perseus.tufts.edu. then again, my teacher was the one who gave me that site, but still.

[maxama10]

well, do you really like languages? are you currently taking multiple languages in advanced levels? are you going into liberal arts or planning to study languages later on? if so, maybe you should go to a non-english speaking country, but if not... i wouldnt recommend it. especially if its just for one year. i was friends with an exchange student from italy, and although she was good at english and i could speak with her fluently (most of the time) her grades did drop. i have another friend who was in germany for multiple years, and it took at least a year to become competent in school, and another to become a good student.

then again, this is coming from the kid who suffered through spanish and french in elementary/middle school without learning anything, then through 3 years of latin relying on memorization of translations from www.perseus.tufts.edu. then again, my teacher was the one who gave me that site, but still.

Hmmmm, lots to think about for sure. Thanks
-Max

[slade]

Hmmmm, lots to think about for sure. Thanks
-Max

score! im deep.

[Fred]

... the problem with going to a foreign country where you don't speak the language, is that people you meet will want to practice their english on you... if you have a basic grasp of their language, they're usually VERY helpful in teaching you (Germany, Switzerland, Italy, for example).

you'll never truly get the cultural experience if you don't speak the language... because you'll be outside, unable to truly embrace it... aka a tourist...

be a traveler!

Good luck, hope you have a good experience!

[Maggot6]

Well, in my town there is not a single person that I have asked that knows someone who speaks German in my area...The fact that I am purely english (and a little french thanks to the Canadian School System) I decided to take on the challenge of teaching German to myself, and communicating with people from different countries with the internet. I imagine that I will get the biggest culture shock ever, being a lone person going to Germany, but I mean, teaching yourself a language is actually a pretty good mental high. The fact that after 7 months of teaching myself German I am far more competent than the 6 years of canadian schooling taught me french, well, makes you feel pretty good.

I imagine in a month when I will be established in my host-home I will be able to tell you alot more..But so far, the experience I have already received has been worth it; and I haven't even left the country.

Edit...
As for the grades dropping...Well, in 20 years, do you think the fact that you got a B instead of an A- will affect your lifestyle more than an entire year alone to mature into a self sufficient person, and to know an entire new language

[slade]

As for the grades dropping...Well, in 20 years, do you think the fact that you got a B instead of an A- will affect your lifestyle more than an entire year alone to mature into a self sufficient person, and to know an entire new language

its plausible.

[SCpoloRicker]

its plausible.

Dude, get the heck off my lawn.

[slade]

Dude, get the heck off my lawn.

you know, someday someone is going to find out that you really live in an apartment, and have no actual lawn to throw people off of :glare:

/there is no lawn.