Youth
Exchange Rotary
District 5130
For
the Counties of Sonoma,
Napa, Mendocino, Lake, Humbolt and Del Norte California,
USA
Untitled Document
Know
the Cycle of Emotions
Almost all exchange students fall into a cycle of "highs" and "lows" that
might be described in the following manner:
Initial
anxiety during application and orientation. Call it "Worry".
Fascination,
expectation, the honeymoon of the adventure.
A period
of culture shock, language difficulties, fatigue, diet, etc.
Sleep patterns
balance, language improves, friends, culture is OK.
Mental
Isolation, the "Blues" sometimes holidays, boredom etc.
Integration
and acceptance. Fitting in with culture, friends, and school.
Return
anxiety. Preparing for departure, uncertainty, and bond breaking.
Arrival
at home. Time to share and tell all. Nobody is listening.
Friends
didn't grow as fast. Help!
It all
levels off and you have a "10" life!
While
the exact timing of these highs and lows won't exactly match our graph,
expect something of this nature. It is very important that you, your family,
and friends understand that this phenomenon will take place. The time
and severity will certainly vary from person to person but it will occur.
Contact
District Chair Sondra Schaub: sondrajschaub@earthlink.net
707-822-7807
Cell 707-616-7790 Fax 707-822-7807
Copyright 2007 - RI District 5130 Youth Exchange Program
Website Maintained by John
Necker Sebastopol Sunrise