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School Exchange Trips

Are you going on a school exchange this summer? You’re not
alone! Thousands of British teens spend a week in a stranger’s
home in a foreign country every summer. Many of them make
friends for life. Others say they’ll never go back!
Staying with a British family? You can be worried about…
● The food: British food sometimes is not so good. Thanks to TV
chefs, foreign travel and immigrants, it’s better than in the last
ten years.
● The language: The majority of British teens don’t use to study
language at school. In fact only 40% can speak French. So if
you’re interested in learning English, here you have a great
opportunity.
Our advice
● Tell the family about any food you don’t like to eat. But if
someone invites you to eat something that looks funny, try it –
you might like it!
● If you’re reading this, you know you can speak English. Have
a go! Sometimes you can be afraid of speaking English in
front to others, so probably first you can listen and learn. Then
when you feel confident, you can start sharing.
● Get ready for the changeable British weather! Take a raincoat
for the rainy days, a jumper for cold weather and sunglasses
and sun cream for hot weather.
Teens say
This British class of 15 years old students from Bromsgrove
School is studying on an Easter school exchange in Berlin.
Here are their top tips:
● “Take enough money”. Especially if you are an extroverted
person and enjoys going shopping or hanging out with friends.
● “Make sure your mobile phone works abroad”. Probably you
are a friendly person and you love chatting with your friends or
 calling them.
● “The first day with your host family is a bit strange” - give it
some time, try to be calm and avoid calling home right away.
Their teacher says
“School visits are a good way to make friends abroad and learn
about others’ culture. Sometimes you can have a lot of things in
common with the teenagers you stay with, the same likes and
interests. That’s great! ”