Wow! Who would guess? I'm actually here, posting a new entry!
School started last Monday, and it was actually really enjoyable. Friends came back with new haircuts, different clothes, and bronzer skin coloring. And of course, everyone was happy to see each-other again.
Something else interesting happened over the break. I came back from vacation with much improved Portuguese. Maybe it was due to all the Novellas that I watched, but something definitely worked. I'm finding that I feel closer to friends, I laugh with them more, and I think they feel closer to me too. I wouldn't come close to saying I understand everything, but I know that my friends no longer have to explain things over and over, and I don't have to fake laugh with them, pretending that I understand what they are talking about. There are so many things I still have to learn, and I'm just so happy that I got a chance to stay here longer.
The two exchange students that were supposed to start turned out to be three, all from Germany. One boy got placed in my class, and the two other girls in another. I think our school is now over-saturated with exchange students. But honestly, it is such a relief not to be the new kid in school. I have a set group of friends, I know who I can trust and who to avoid. I feel now that I truely belong, not as though I'm only temporary.
Being an exchange student you never really think about how you being there has affected a group of friends, and a school, but it really does. It has to be hard to be the friend of an exchange student who doesn't speak the language. Constantly explaining things over and over, trying to find simpler language to explain it in. And having the person follow you around everywhere. Seeing the three new exchange students at my school I have realized just how difficult it is, for both sides.
I hope I explained well enough about the last few months, but please if there is anything anybody would like to know, comment on this or on my facebook. Sometimes I feel like some information isn't enough.
Love,
Frankie :)
Heei, so you're staying in my land 'till January? Cool!
ReplyDeleteI'm an exchange student too, but I'm a brazilian living an AMAZING semester in Germany!
Hope you're enjoying my country as much as I'm enjoying Germany :D
And about the soccer comment in one of your other posts, well, yes, soccer is a serious subject there! And I am a totally crazy Fluminense supporter(heard about my team?) and I guess one of the most amazing things to do in Brazil is going to a soccer play. Seriously, you can FEEL the passion, is amazing! Guess you should do it :D
Good luck in my great, warm, beautiful country.
Hi my name is Sierra and I'm thinking about spending a year in Brazil with AFS. My parents are afraid that it's too dangerous though. Do you feel safe? Would you recommend it? Also, it would be my senior year that I'd spend in Brazil, is that a bad idea? Would I get all my credits? I know I have a lot of questions, but I'm really curious.
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