Why did you pick this program?
Olivia: I picked Greenheart Travel to go to France for 5 months to just improve on my French. I have been in French immersion since I was 5 and so I figured going to France in my senior year would be an amazing memory and experience. I was tired of the same old schedule and I needed a change.
What do you wish someone had told you before you went abroad?
Olivia: I wish someone would have told me how difficult it is to cash in traveller checks in France. When I arrived in France I could not find any place to cash in my traveller checks and so I had a no money for the first month. It is always a good idea to have a backup plan to any backup plan because I also brought along a credit card without a chip however I also figured out that majority of places in France don't take cards without chips so yes have a backup plan to your backup plans.
What is the most important thing you learned abroad?
Olivia: I learned that it is important to create relationships while abroad. I met so many people from all over the world and it was so interesting learning about their culture. The people I met abroad also really helped me when I needed them in tough times. The relationships I made helped me throughout my entire experience and even now that I am back I have a very good relationship with everyone I have met.
What was the hardest part about going abroad?
Olivia: For me, going abroad was the best experience I have had. A lot of people warned me of homesickness and how to deal with it but I can honestly say that I really never had a time in my exchange that I wanted to go home. I was really lucky. I was with an amazing family in the south of France and I had such a blast with them. I travelled around and learned their traditions. I think for me the hardest thing was trying to make friends in my high school in France. I was placed in a grade two years younger than I and it was hard making friends because I was just so much older than them. However I did make lots of friends with other exchange students and the friends of my host family.
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
Olivia: I don't know many people who are thinking about going aboard however if someone did ask I would tell them that going abroad changes your life. You see so many different cultures and traditions and it is amazing to be apart of something like that. I believe it's important to experience other places and their customs and traditions... it makes you a more understanding person and more compassionate.