My Life as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student

So what has my quarantine been like. Well during my quarantine I have done garden (backyard) work with mainly my host brother. We have done painting (for 3 days straight), sanding, scraping old paint, floorball messing about in the backyard and just some more little bits and pieces here and there…

One day, my host parents, Mia, and I went on a hike in the Low Tatras, or better known as Slovak Paradise. We hiked to Tomášovský Výhľad, which is at an elevation of 680m. It took about 45 minutes to get up, so fairly short. And the view at the top was like no other! …

And finally, thank you Slovakia– Slovensko— Slovenská Republika. You are the epitome of a hidden gem in this world, and a perfect example of how some of the best people and places can be found where most would never expect. You are a tiny country with a massive heart, one which I’ve now added my own to. From your stunning mountains, you gorgeous cliffsides, to your rolling Moravian plains and ancient cities and villages, to your long and unique history and deep-rooted culture (and your perhaps a tad over-complicated, but genuinely beautiful language). It was an absolute joy discovering all of it, and I’m so grateful to be able to come out of my exchange calling myself a Slovak-Canadian. I will always be proud to say the first country I ever went to outside of Canada was Slovakia, my land of discovery, my second home, my own hidden gem. Slovensko, milujem ťa, a už mi chybáš ❤️…

I’m so happy I was able to celebrate Easter and go on some really nice hikes with this host family. I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to stay with them and go on the amazing trips they took me on and things I learned with them…

We then tried the chicken and waffles. I first showed them how to prepare the chicken and waffles, and then invited them to try. Not everyone who was there tried the chicken and waffles, but that’s understandable. I was very surprised that a few of them did try, and I was even more surprised that they said that it was “weird but good.”..

So, I guess we’ve reached the end. Thank you all for following my adventures in Czechia this year! I’m so disappointed that things had to end this way, but that doesn’t take anything away from the amazing seven months I had. I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything in the world! …

Some months ago, in early November, my host family took me on a trip to Prague and Cheb. They had been planning this weekend-trip since summer and I was so excited when the day finally came for us to embark on our journey. I’d never really been to Prague, only drove through it when I first arrived to the Czech Republic, but even though I’d only seen it through a car window, I was enchanted with the city…

Here’s a little update from my now 3rd week in quarantine/self-isolation. I am doing a lot better mentally; I’ve learned to except the situation I’m in and know there isn’t much I can do about it. I have noticed myself losing motivation to do work, but I’m trying and know it’s better to keep busy. The weather has been crazy, some days it’s 17C outside and I can sit out in the sun and others it’s been -2C, back to being stuck inside. I’m in a much better mood the more time I spend outside…

What adds to the level of difficulty is having to socialize and make friends in a new language. I believe this is one of the greatest challenges I have had. This also provides a lot of motivation for learning Czech though, because the more I understand and can communicate, the more entertaining it is. Weather it be taking part in conversations, listening to stories, or even just understanding jokes told to a group. I would say there is a direct correlation to speaking better Czech, and having a better time, and making more friends…

I have spent the last 7 months in the Czech Republic as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student. This video is a glimpse into my experiences so far. Thanks to everyone who has made this possible…