Auslandsjahr in Texas
Exchange isn't a year in your life, it's a life in one year!
Have you ever thought about going to a foreign country, spending a year there, going to school and learning english? Well, I have and it was definitely one of the best decision I've ever made in my whole life. People back home told me always that I was crazy and that a year is too long, but I was convinced to do this.And here I am, 5 months have passed and this place feels like home. I am in San Antonio, Texas, it wasn't my choice to go to Texas and I wasn't really happy at the beginning, but now that I am here, everything is different. I have wonderful Host parents and two sweet little Host brothers, I have a incredible swim team, which I am really proud to be a part of and I have met a lot of new people that became really good friends.
I am not saying that being an exchange student is really easy, you have to put a lot of work into school and everyday is a real challenge, because being alone in a foreign country, being in a new home with people that you barely know, and going to a new school and finding new friends is really hard, but that is part of the experience. I came here and it was just a place, but I am gonna leave not only just a place, I am gonna leave my second home and I know already that I am never gonna be at home again just in one place.
Yes, making a big life change at only 17 years is pretty scary. But, know what's even scarier? Regret.
Mara Clementi
San Antonio, Texas
January 2018
Foto: Mara Clementi