| Dear Outbounds, My name is Angelo Mortimer and I am a Bahamian exchange student currently abroad in Sweden. This short report is to tell you about my experiences so far and to give you a few words of encouragement. This program is simply the best! When I say this, I am not promising that your experience away will be ‘a bed of roses’, but I can tell you that if this is something that you really want to do, then you will naturally make the best of your year in a foreign country. I have been in Sweden for 7 months now. In this time, I have gained a sense of independence and gratefulness for the things that I once took for granted. I have seen places that were only in a dream, experienced a beautiful culture and through enjoying it a wonderful new language. I know that some of you feel a bit nervous but that’s natural! I remember when I had my first camp. I was just like you. I thought so hard about which country that I was assigned to live for one whole year of my life. I was so nervous that I could ‘pee’ fountains! It’s crazy isn’t it? When you go to another country, you must expect a huge difference. Unlike the Bahamas, Sweden is a very cold country. That could be depressing when you are from sandy beaches, sun, and palm trees. Believe it or not, I am enjoying Sweden a lot because I understood before I left that I was going to experience a difference. As soon as you find out where you are going to be, I suggest that you do some research so that you won’t experience a severe culture shock! As I said before, Sweden is cold, so now that I am living here, I do what the Swedes do like taking a sauna, snowmobiling, skiing, snowfighting, snowfishing, polka, making snow angels, etc. The key is to fit in. Have a sense of openness to talking and meeting new people. For example, Swedes are very shy so I realized that I would always have to take the first step. When I did so, I learned that Swedes will be your friends for life if YOU talk to them first. What do you think would’ve happened if I remained quiet and stuck to myself? Have a sense of respect for other point of views because you will hear so many of them. Understand the differences that will confront you because if you can’t, you will have a miserable time, quite possibly having to return home. The language can become a barrier if you allow it. I know that you will be attending school, and you might need the credits, but take it easy. Always try to learn new words of the your new language because it helps you to have a better time. You’re not going to get A’s in the first few months, trust me. You’re not expected to. You will definitely have feelings of homesickness during your exchange at some time. I know that this part is scary but remember that in order to achieve in whatever you do, you must make a sacrifice. Besides, a year goes by so quickly. I still can’t believe that it is March already! It’s going so great and there are so many more things that I am going to do! Don’t look back now because it takes special people to consider a very rewarding experience such as this. You will not regret this decision. Well, I would like to take this time to wish you all the best for your year abroad! I
would also like to send a special shout-out to all the Bahamians in the
house! Congratulations to Leila Stubbs who happens to be like close family
to me. You said that you were going to do it! Have a great time girl! Make
your country proud! Everyone can feel free to write to me at the following
email address if you have any questions: |