Traveling tips

• Cofirm you plane tickets when you first get them, two days before you go, and two hours before you go. This way you can be prepared for anything that may come up (for example, a change in the flight, lost reservations, a problem with the ticket, etc.)
• Pack and repack as many times as you can before you go. You will see tricks for fitting more in the more times you pack, therefore giving you more room.
• Get to the airport early. It wouldn't be a good way to start your exchange by missing your flight. And this gives you some time to work out any last minute problems that come up with the ticket and such.
• Try to sleep as much as you can on the plane ride over. That way you are not going to just meet your host family and fall asleep. I didn't sleep at all on the plane, and that's a long time to be awake. I was awake for about 30 hours, and nearly fell asleep on the ride to my host family's house while my host dad was showing me certain buildings and other type things.
• Lost luggage. It does happen. Mine was left in Paris due to mechanical failure, but I got it the next day. You just fill out the proper forms, and be polite to the person behind the counter. It's not their fault you're standing in Tokyo, and your bags are in Berlin. Remain calm.

Money

• Some exchange programs will give you a monthly allowance. Mine is nearly $100. Sound like a lot? It isn' that much for a whole month, trust me.
• The money given to you by the exchange program is to be used for things like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc. After you've bought your month supply of those you can buy your CD's and candy and pop.
• Credit Cards. Parents-I know this sounds to you like a bad idea, but they really come in handy IF the person can control their spending with it and not get carried away. I know that it's easy to get carried away, but I always have dreams (or nightmares really) about having my card cut up. This is when I wake up and take the card out of my wallet.
• ATM. This is a good alternative to the credit card, but not as good as one really. ATMs you can find almost anywhere, but you need to find corresponding banks and all of that. It can be a pain in the butt. You can also put the ATM option on most credit cards. Then students can just take out money at the beginning of the month, and not use the card as much.
• Remember that things may be more expensive in the country you are going to. Money goes quickly.

Family problems

• Many problems can arise with a host family. Most issues are ones you should talk to the family about, and if that doesn't work talk to your club exchange chairman. If the problem isn't solved after that, cotact your country officer at home. Your real family should be the last people you talk to about it because they can't help you much.
• Sibling rivalry. It is animal nature to put up your gaurd when something or someone comes into your space. Many kids will feel this way when the new person (you) arrives in the house. Now they are no longer the most important person, and they feel left out and angry. Problems can come up with this.
• Jealousy. This can happen with host brothers and sisters, as above, but also with the parents. A host dad spends a lot of time showing the girl exchange student around town and spends a lot of time talking. The host mom feels that her place is being filled. It can happen the other way around too. Try to include as many members of the family in activities as you can, so no one feels left out.

Well, that's all of the tips that I can think of for now. Maybe more later. Now you can go to the main page or you can go back to tips for becoming an exchange student or you can look at some gift ideas for taking with you.