10 Things You Do When You Find Out You’re Going on Exchange

After applying to several schools, the moment when you finally get to know where you will spend the next months or years will be really exciting! Here are a just a few things you will do the moment you find out you’re going on exchange.

1. You will call your mom

Actually, that’s not entirely true. You might first jump, shout and maybe even cry, then realize you’re being an awkward person, calm down and call your mom. Moms always come first in our heart (yeah, I miss my mom), and you will want to share the grand news with her! Little warning there: things might quickly get emotional so prepare the tissues!

2. You will realize there is so much more to take care of

This is so exciting! You might want to leave right away! After the initial excitement though, you will come to the realization that there is so much you need to do now before your exchange can actually start! Tickets, applications, courses, a place to live, visa and more registrations will come at you quickly. Just stay calm, make a list and tackle everything step by step. We promise it will be SO worth it!

3. You will tell all your family and friends

Can’t I just make a public announcement? Gosh, there are so many people who need to know that you’ll be spending the upcoming time abroad! This is so exciting! Maybe they have some tips and tricks or insider knowledge? Start spreading the word and share the excitement!

4. You will book your flight tickets

And, that’s not that easy as it seems! ‘Am I going to travel beforehand? Afterwards? How many checked bags do I need to take with me?’ Ahhh the struggle is already real!

5. You will check your passport and start procedures to get your visa (if needed…)

You might think that getting your passport done will be long and laborious, wait until you have to get your visa! Oh yeah… We’re talking about about a few trips to the embassy of the country you will be visiting. But don’t worry, some of us get lucky and don’t even have to go through this process! Remember to check it out before applying to any destination 😉

6. You will want to start packing your bags right away

‘Can I live without this for the semester? How cold is it going to be during the winter or will the summer actually be hot?’ No, you don’t need to start packing right away, but definitely keep it in mind and try to figure out what the essential things in your life are that you really cannot live without during your time away so you can make sure to pack those later on!

7. You will stalk your new country

It’s called research! You will start to stalk everything and anyone that has something to do with the country you’re going to. Find the best places to chill, travel to and get in touch with some people at your new university.

8. You will make sure you enjoy everything in your home country *one last time*

Don’t be too dramatic but yes, there are going to be a lot of different things that you’ll miss when you’re going abroad. Make sure to enjoy some extra cheese and bike rides before it’s time to say goodbye for a while.

9. You will start planning your goodbye party

*Goodbye, my lover. Goodbye, my friend.* (insert lyrics here and invite James Blunt) The good ole’ times need to be concluded with a banger of a party!

10. You will think about it all the time

It’s called being obsessed. And trust me, you will be! You will be drawn to all the details mentioning your future country, in newspapers, on social media, on TV, in the street, etc. You will start comparing everything in your home country to what you will be experiencing during your exchange, and build up the excitement for this new adventure!