A Teacher's Perspective

Some time ago, we interviewed Barb Cottle, a teacher and parent of one of our students, to ask about her thoughts on the exchange experience. Students and parents, have a look at her great responses!

YFU Canada: As a teacher (and a mother), what is your personal experience with both inbound and outbound exchange students? How can exchanges help improve the school environment? 

Barb: I was fortunate to be able to spend a year in France during university, and all three of my children have done some sort of exchange both within Canada and to Europe. Those experiences helped to make each of us stretch ourselves, and to gain confidence as well as develop both language and social skills. As a teacher I have not had exchange students, but have had students from a variety of different cultures in my class. Exchanges can have a profound impact on both the student who goes abroad, and on the community who receives them. I have enjoyed learning from exchangees, and have found it brings an openess to the classes that share their culture and learn about another one. I believe that by learning that we do things differently, but are still much the same helps students to be more open to alternative ways of thinking as well as to other people.

YFU Canada: What are the most important aspects to consider for a student who wishes to go on exchange abroad? 

Barb: Students going abroad need to be ready to try new things, from foods, to activities, to household routines.  You have to be ready to stretch out of your comfort zone. It is a great idea to speak to people who have gone on an exchange and hear what they thought were the best and worst approaches to take. Everyone is an individual, and needs to find whatever will work the best for them. My only advice is not to be shy - put yourself out there, and don' t be hard on yourself when you feel you made a mistake. You will not always understand the rules of another culture, so accept your capacity for messing up and learn from it, but let it go. Each student will make their way through their own exchange; make it your own.

YFU Canada: How can an exchange enhance a student's academics and help them prepare for university?

Barb: I moved to Stratford from Rochester, New York in the middle of grade 11. I had always done well in math. I was astounded to find that I actually looked at the geometry questions differently. Where I saw 2 triangles and a square, my classmates and teacher saw 2 squares and a rhombus.  We don't always realize how much we are conditioned by our culture. Approaching learning within a different context will help make you more versatile and ready for the different approaches you may experience in university or college.  

YFU Canada: What are some of the biggest challenges involved in going on exchange? Who is a good candidate for an exchange?

Barb: The biggest challenge during an exchange is the feeling of not belonging. You are always unsure of what the norms and expectations are. You have to be prepared to do your best, and celebrate when you get it right, or have those moments you know you understand it all. Everyone can be a good candidate, but you will feel more ready when you know you don't mind being somewhat alone, and can face uncertainty. If you are ready to meet new people, and try new ways of doing things, an exchange may be a great fit.  

YFU Canada: Many students considering an exchange are concerned about school credits and not graduating on time. What is your advice to them?

Barb: It is not often in your life you will be able to take a year "off" and do something completely different.  While you are young, you can, especially with the flexibility of the fifth year of high school. If  you can take advantage of this incredible opportunity, do it. An extra year until you arrive in the post-secondary world won't matter, but the growth you will experience and the memories you will have will last a lifetime.  

Thanks, Barb! Remember, if you're nervous about going on exchange or not sure how it'll affect your graduation or course credits, you can talk to your guidance counsellor or a teacher anytime. They'll give you great advice!