Book excerpt: As an exchange student, you receive the opportunity to experience another culture from the inside out. You live with a host family, you become part of the local community, and you learn the language. Even so, an exchange year is not one long holiday. It can be tough, and it may take time to adjust to the new culture and find new friends. In The Exchange Student Guidebook, author Olav Schewe presents a practical handbook to prepare you for life as an exchange student and help you tackle common challenges. Schewe considers • understanding the basics of student exchange; • evaluating reasons for going; • choosing a destination country and exchange organization; • living in a foreign culture; • staying with a host family; • finding new friends; and • dealing with homesickness and other challenges. Filled with practical advice and tips, The Exchange Student Guidebook provides you with a foundation to make your experience successful and memorable.