After years of wanting to lean a language, I finally found the perfect way to master it: immersion. I applied and was accepted to be an exchange student for a year with WEP in the tiny but gutsy country of Belgium. My lucky number being 9 and the year being 2009 I felt invincible and was more than ready to meet the challenge!

Upon arrival in Belgium, everything was new and exciting for me, so much so that I managed to bypass the fact that I still couldn't speak French! My host family was very patient with me and eager to teach me. At school I pushed myself to learn as much French vocabulary from my classes as I could. I sat all of my exams in French and I think that my efforts paid off because as the summer holidays passed by, I found myself actually communicating with others. In fact, upon my return to school in September, many of my classmates met me with amazement to state:

'You speak French now!'

From there, it only got better! My brother Liam gave me two words of wisdom before I left: Carpe Diem. I seized the day at every opportunity.

I realised that it is imperative to be eager and ready to explore and experience at all times.

I went skiing in Austria for a week, went to a Carnival to see ancient Belgian traditions, attended a basketball match, saw the sights of Paris, walked around fairytale Luxembourg, spent time on the Northern coast of France, volunteered as a chef for a scout camp, ferried across to Canterbury, Rochester and London, visited Germany, went back in time on a visit to Rome, participated in a school bike riding retreat, froze in beautiful Prague and explored the Christmas markets of Strasbourg. I took a vested interest in Belgium, wishing to explore my host country and managed to take buses, trains and cars to see the three linguistic areas of Belgium: French, Dutch and German.

During my year in Belgium, I lived in a family of four (9 including all the animals), who accepted and helped me. I was their daughter/sister for a year and I gained insight into their way of life, an understanding of their country and confidence to speak and write a universal language! I matured by realising the need for patience, gratitude and tenacity. My year has left me with a million and one memories, which I will cherish for life. Student exchange may not be for all but whatever you do, CARPE DIEM!

WEP Scholarships to Italy & French-speaking Belgium

WEP is currently offering two scholarships to Italy and French-speaking Belgium! Click here to find out more and fill out our enquiry form to request a FREE application & scholarship pack in the mail.

In the pictures:
top left: Amy and other Australian exchange students on a day-trip to Brugge.
bottom right: Amy and her host brother washing the dogs.