I can't believe today is my last full day in Germany. This Exchange has gone by so fast. I don't know exactly what to say, but I feel like I should share this Moment with People who haven't experienced it. Here are a few things I've learned:
You'll be intensely homesick for the first two or three days. Everyone is, and it sucks. It goes away very quickly though.
You won't be able to sleep through the first night. No one can.
Jet lag can make you sick for two to three days.
Your stomach will hurt really bad for the first two or three days. This is normal, and you aren't actually sick.
Bring over the Counter medicine for your stomach.
You won't be hungry at meal times, but then you'll be starving during the night. Jet lag.
Bring a pocket dictionary. I learned that one the hard way.
Seriously, don't Forget your pocket dictionary.
Your host Family intends to love you, so don't feel judged. They want to learn too.
You don't Need to be perfect in your language. Broken fragments convey Needs just as well as soliloquies.
People will laugh at your Accent. Don't be bothered by that.
Try all the Food you're offered. It's probably great.
It's okay to not like the Food you tried. Everyone has Food they don't like.
Ask where the garbage can is on the first day. This sounds ridiculous, but I still don't know where the garbage in the kitchen is.
Don't be scared to mess up in your target language. If anything, People find it cute.
Don't be embarssed by culture shock. In Germany, most Foods are eaten with Utensils. I'm sure I looked pretty strange when I ate a strawberry with my fingers instead of picking the whole Thing up with a spoon, but you live and learn.
Be positive about everything.
Ask questions, even if they sounds dumb.