My Life as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student

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! …

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…

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…

It’s hard to believe that we are already about 7 months into our exchange year. But with the months progressing comes more rotary trips. And that includes Ski Week! Inbounds from across the district traveled to Ždiar, High Tatras in Slovakia for a week of skiing and fun. Overall, I have to say, this was definitely the best Rotary event I have experienced so far. I had an amazing time spending time and catching up with my friends and skiing with them. Even though it was cut a bit short, it was an unforgettable experience…

I know it’s been awhile since I’ve written one of these, life has been crazy, it always is. It’s still hard for me to believe I’ve already been here for over 5 months…my exchange is already halfway over 🙁 It feels like I haven’t been home in Florida for such a long time, but at the same time time’s flying as I try and take everything in over here. I’ll try and catch you up on everything that has been going on for the past couple months. Sit down, maybe make some tea if you actually want to read this-I’m sorry it’s so long…

My host family and I went skiing for four days in Austria. It was around 40-50 degrees every day so I didn’t even wear a coat. This was the perfect skiing weather for me. I had such a great time…

I started school the day after my arrival, even though I could’ve had the whole first week off. I did this so I could through myself straight into the Slovak life, meet new people, not be stuck at home, also so that I could keep the agreement with Lochlan (we both agreed we would start school as soon as we could) and because why not…

So, it’s been a little while. As I anticipated, finding time to blog has become increasingly harder. I’ve finally decided that an update is past due though, since it’s been almost two months since I last found the time to write. Obviously quite a lot happened during these last two months, so bear with me as I try my best to show what life has looked like for me here this winter…

My life feels “complete” here. I speak the language, I have friends, and I have a good host family. My point in all of this is that sometimes a certain aspect of exchange isn’t the best, but that’s okay! Rotary has had thousands of exchange students over the years, and has really structured this program in such a way to where, as long as you’re persistent and clever, you can always have things resolved…

Now that I’m past the halfway point of my exchange, it’s sort of crazy to look back on my past posts and see everything that has happened and all the things I’ve been fortunate enough to do. Even though it’s been only five months, it feels as though I’ve been able to live a lifetime through the opportunities I’ve had….