Youth For Understanding (YFU)?

yepunsarang
Fri, 13 Apr 2007 22:05:41 +0000

La La, it must be so exciting going to Germany!! Could I tag along?
Okie doke…my experience in detail:

Well, activity wise, I did lots of sightseeing around Yokohama like the city area, and stuff but school took up a lot of my time during the day. (However, it’s not like I went to school the entire trip so I had more freedom later) I admit that sometimes you might get a bit bored because your host parents have lives (and may be even children to take care of) and can’t bring you around everywhere all the time. You got to be considerate you know…But even those times, you should amuse yourself by going to the local German grocery store or something and buy a german soft drink for fun, or just wander around without getting lost. I went to the supermarket a lot (had so much fun) and visited the department stores in Japan because they really have everything in there! You can also go clothing shopping if you want with your German classmates. They can help you find trendy clothing!! Er…I even went swimming at a local pool. I had to navigate the pool by train all by myself and had lots of fun doing laps. IF you want to do something, say so, let your host parents know, keep their phone numbers with you all the time, the house address, extra emergency money, etc. I even asked my Japanese friends if there was anywhere cool to go, and they showed me around. That’s a cool option because they can tour you around when your host parents are busy.

How I got used to everything:
Well, i’ll be candid about everything. Um…the plane ride there was swell, except I didn’t know what to expect of my host parents. I was nervous but not homesick yet. When I got off the bus to meet my host parents it was a bit akward to tell you the truth. I mean you’re meeting these people for the first time…but I tried to be kind and happy. The first night there was strange and I didn’t know what to say. But it’s a 2 month trip, so I loosened up easily and got to talk about interesting stuff like WWII and Japan with my host parents. Yeah, you don’t know them, but act as if you’ve known them all your life and that you’re family. Also, call your host parents “mom” and “dad”. It makes things so much more family-like and close.

The first night I was there, I set down my luggage and sat on my bed, looked around, and suddenly felt this pang and started to get homesick. I admit, I cried a little (but didn’t sob)…it’s only normal. But don’t get scared by what i’m saying. If this happens to you and you really start missing home, think that you only have 2 months. You’re going to end up missing it soooo much when you return back to America. You might as well make the best use of your time and be happy…make memories, and be a little drop of sunshine to your hostparents. I kind of got annoyed at my hostparents one time (but kept it in) because it seemed as if they expected me to be so outgoing, talking all the time, and being with them 24/7. OF course you can’t do that…but try, and always smack a smile on yourself. But if you’re feeling bad or something, let them know right away. You don’t want to suffer. My sister’s hostparents were really sweet about my twin’s bad stomachache when she had it at midnight. Her mom was worried so she gave my sister medicine and even fell asleep on the floor next to my sister. They’re going to be sweet to you, so treat them like how you’d treat your own parents. I’m sorry i’m rambling so much, but a lot of people do feel homesick or can’t adjust so easily in the beginning. But embrace your new experience and be optimistic about everything. Enjoy the time that you have because it won’t be forever. You’ll wish it could be…but reality (home) is waiting for you always. Be yourself, be curious, be open, and embrace a new world. I’m so excited for you!!! Ask more questions guys!