Dear editor:

Foreign exchange student programs can impact lives and create unforgettable experiences; it becomes an eye opener for people about the different lifestyles and rich cultures which covers the universe.

In the Feb. 18, 2011, article, “Exchange Program Plants Junior in Norway” by Nick Avery, a former FC student shares about his life in his new country. This article encourages students to move out of their comfort zone and gain more knowledge about people who live across the world.

Sometimes it?s a challenge to towards making the first step of traveling out of the country. In consideration a majority of undergraduates have not been out of the state let alone the country. For most, it?s a culture shock yet there are benefits.

For the most part, exchange students enrich communication and comprehension skills which comes in handy later on if one wanted to run a business around the world. Also, the educational system differs in different countries and may propose other in dept classes which other schools cannot offer.

Through reading this article, I have learned about the different school activities, programs, and daily life styles Norway has to offer. If I had to become a foreign exchange student for an entire semester, I would turn down the offer. Because I would become very homesick if I was away from my family for a long time.

Yet, I encourage the opportunity to kids who are interested in the program because of the benefits of learning about different places which leads to personal growth and challenges students to think critically and become more considerate and appreciate of other cultures.

In conclusion foreign exchange students develop memories and exciting stories to carry on through the rest of their lives.