Who says you can’t go on an exchange program once you’ve grown up? That’s absolutely not true!
Hi, everyone! In this post, I’d like to share my experience of participating in an exchange program in England this past June.
First, let me introduce the program I joined. It’s called International Kingdom. This time, I had the opportunity to study the language and learn about different cultures in England for two weeks. (Two weeks? What could you possibly gain from such a short time? Well, keep reading, and you’ll find out!)
I actually first heard about this program back in 2022. I completed the application process, including the tests and interviews, but unfortunately, I couldn’t go due to circumstances beyond my control. At that time, I was still working on finishing my studies, so my family suggested I wait until I was ready. I was heartbroken because I really wanted to go. But as they say, opportunities are always there for those who look for them.
Fast forward to February 2023, I applied again, completed the interviews and tests, and, as expected, I passed! This time, my family gave me the green light to go. And so, the fun journey began.
Before I continue, I should mention that I stayed in Cambridge, a beautiful university town filled with inspiration. Before the trip, the program organizers held an orientation and provided us with basic information about living in England. They also conducted weekly English classes to prepare us for the trip.
On the day of departure, I met the rest of the group—there were nine of us in total, including myself. And let me tell you, this was not a group of kids. Everyone was either in university or already working because the program was specifically designed for adults. This is why the program duration was just two weeks.
When we arrived in England, we were introduced to our host families, with whom we stayed for the entire trip. These host families were arranged by the language school, and they were incredibly kind and welcoming.
Over the two weeks, we had so much fun and learned so many things. We participated in activities, learned about English culture and language, and gained a wealth of knowledge and experiences. While two weeks may not seem like much, the experience was absolutely worth it.
For me, I’ve learned that the value of an experience doesn’t depend on the time, place, or distance, but on our determination and willingness to make the most of it.
So, if you ever get an opportunity like this, don’t hesitate—just go for it!
