Okay, some of you know that my parents agreed to let me go on a foreign exchange trip next year. I am having loads of trouble choosing my country. Here are my top choices: Austria: Language: German. Price: $8,900 Country Summary from Catalogue: In Austria, you will live in the heart of Europe, where Germutlichkeit (taking things easy) is a national motto. Take advantage of more than 1,700 km of ski slopes as you learn the German language, appreciate the influence of Mozart, explore the Alps, and maybe even learn to yodel! Ecuador Language: Spanish Price: $7,900 Country Summary from Catalogue: This small nation is home to a lot of history, with traditions that date back to 3,200 b.c. Take an optional trip to the Galapagos Islands, which Darwin made famous, climb volcanoes and hike through dense rainforests as you enjoy your close-knit host family and new frienbds. The vibrant culture here will fill your visit with unforgettable memories. Australia Language: English Price: $9,900 Country Summary from Catalogue: It may be a small continent, but there is so much to experience in Australia. Though known for the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia has much more to ffer, especially their straightforward and informal culture. Australia is home to immigrants from 165 nations as well as the Aborigines, whose society dates back 50,000 years. Other things to note: I speak English and a little bit of Spanish. I've always been fascinated by the Galapagos.
If you want to goto Ecuador, I would suggest looking into the political stableness before going there. A lot of South American countries have political unrest and get over thrown often. There is a risk to that, and being a foreigner if someone should take over would be bad. I would also look into what kind of snakes spiders etc you might encounter, being in the rainforest. I am sure it is beautiful, but there are some natural risks. Money wise, it would be a good choice, and stuff should be cheap to buy while your there. I would say that your other choices sound nice. But I don't know much about them.
It occurs to you, I presume, that they are all fairly large countries? Do you have any more specific locations?
Fantastic. It's great that they agreed to let you go. Especially since you wouldn't have to learn a new language, Australia sounds great.
You make it sound really bad, it's not nearly as dangerous as you think. And governments aren't overthrown that often. Most of SA is stable enough right now, it's not in constant warfare like Israel, Somalia, Irak or Sudan. I think there are some drug related conflicts in Colombia and Mexico, but not much else. I'd pick Austria myself, because I rarely get to be in Europe for a long period of time, and because I think I'd like to learn German. The other two choices don't really hold my interest because I already speak both English and Spanish, but I'm focusing on languages whereas you might be more interested in other aspects of the country.
*ahem*, Why not try England? You'd have fun! I'm kidding. You'd be either bored to death, drowned in the rain, or mugged. Go to Austria! Learn to Ski!
Dont do it emily it's SUICIDE! She'll be happy-slapped, mugged, drenched in rain and bored out of her mind before she even gets out of the airport!
What was your original choice of doing this? Also Austria was where you really wanted to go wasen't it? Australia is great (I mean we are the most relaxed, down to earth individuals youll ever encounter). But i'm not sure if you want to experience something a little more different then the American culture you live in now (And i'm guessing Austria is a hell of a lot different...where ad Australia isn't too different.) Would also depend on when you would leave. Summer is over here now, and summer is the time to visit Australia IMO.
Sorry about generalizing, 'South America' but I know that there is sometimes problems there. Just wanted her to make an informed decision. That is why I said look into. I am aware that alot of the countries are fine, but there are alot that aren't. Is Ec, a spanish speaking or portuguese country? I can't remember.
Banzai: They choose where in the country we go. I thought about that. Eoz: I'll be there in..your summer. Xeno: They don't have a program in Britain. I checked. Lol
your money will go much farther in SA! austria is VERRRRRRY expensive... and australia's not any easier to manage on a budget than anywhere in the states...
Try this: Imagine that your parents told you you HAD to go to Ecuador. "No arguments, young lady!" Wait for that gut reaction and decipher what it tells you. If your gut reaction is "NO!!!" Then eliminate Ecuador as a choice. Then repeat the process with the other two. If it were picked for you, would you still want it? That usually helps me. (Personally, after hearing about that spider from Speedy, the other day, I would eliminate Australia...and probably Ecuador for the sake of creepy crawlies too!)
HAHAHAHAHAHA! Dude... talk about the pot calling the kettle black Personally i'd recommend were ever your heart draws you, but if you are going to Austria be sure to be punctual. I'm not kidding here, these guys will not let you in the store/park/anywhere if you are ONE SEACOND late. These guys really do like everything organized so i'd keep that in mind if you don't. Also try some local food, it's very good.
Summer is 3 months. Semester is 6 months. Year is...well...a year. Lol I'm going on the semester trip.
Holy crap! So expensive! I would probably choose Austria. But I'm a bit bias due to my obsession with the German language. xD I have a lot of Australian friends (for some random reason), and they are some of the greatest people I know. Although there isn't that added advantage of being able to learn a new language.
Depends where you go. Bogan language is ace. I can't believe i asked that question Emily, i'm bone head sometimes (most times)
There's basically heaps of things to see no matter where you are placed in Australia.. so at least that's reassuring.. *looks around for confirmation*
