October Youth Exchange Newsletter

 
With only three months to go, I’m beginning to wonder which places I’ve already seen for the last time.
 
Despite how dreary this thought it, it also comes with the eye-opening realization that I’ll never live the same moment twice and so without a doubt, I’ll make these last month’s count.

Early August I changed into my second host family which was almost like starting all over again, minus the language barrier. I’m really thankful to only have two families this year because I now understand how difficult it can be to adjust. My new family is completely different from everything I’d experienced but that’s definitely not a bad thing.
 
Summer is finally on its way with over 30 degrees daily and my bikini bod with +8kg’s from exchange weight is NOT ready for it. Apart from this I’m super excited because it also means the end of my school year is close! 30 days (and counting) of school left and I’ll be graduating for the second time.
 
The week from 18th of September marked the Chilean Independence Day, which basically meant a week of holidays, festivals, lots of dancing, empanadas and Chilean traditions with family and friends. I don’t think another country could top how patriotic the people of Chile are. It’s even a law to hang the Chilean flag outside your house during this week, and the entire city was covered in patriotic colours. It made me feel really proud to be part of such a special country. At school, we also had to perform folkloric dances in front of hundreds of people which was surprisingly really fun.

Over 70 new exchange students arrived last month which was exciting and nice getting to know some of them. It was really strange seeing how lost they were at the start with the language and culture and realizing that I was in their shoes and to see how far we’ve all come.

There’s still so much to do and so little time! Hope everyone’s having the time of their life and can’t wait to catch up with you all soon!
Victoria Beck
Chile
Ahuriri - Napier
 
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