I was 15 when I first started looking into exchange programs, I knew there was a lot of commitment, but I wasn’t realizing how long is 1 year abroad. So I was happily filling out applications and looking at countries I would want to go.
Libisema: 2
Call to adventure
Day before I left, I was saying bye to my family and friends and I was finishing with packing my stuff. It was pretty hard to pack my stuff, because I wasn't used to travelling for such a long time without coming back
Libisema: 3
Refusal of the call
There is me waiting for my plane from Frankfurt to Houston. I started to regret even thinking about this. This where I realized that the I am not going to see anyone Czech for next 10 months, won't have my culture and won't be speaking my language.
Libisema: 4
Meeting with the mentor
One of my first friends Garrett that I have met in school, introduced me to one of his friends Seth. He seemed pretty cool so we stayed in touch and he introduced me to a lot of new people.
Libisema: 5
Tests, Allies, Enemies
Going to school everyday was my priority, because that was the place I could meet all my current friends and stay entertained. Even though It was sometimes stressful, It was worth it.
Libisema: 6
Approaching the innermost cave
Tension between me and my host parents kept raising as we've been together for longer time. I had some issues and believe them too. This was pretty hard time in my exchange year
Libisema: 7
The supreme ordeal
During the Christmas holidays, I was at my lowest in my whole year. I had nothing much to do, rather than spending the holidays with my host family. I missed my family a lot and wanted to go home.
Libisema: 8
Reward
After new years, my friend Seth texted me that his family could host me, so I immediately said yes and moved in in about 2 weeks after.
Libisema: 9
The road back
After my 10 months in US, I left the States to come back home and I was excited to see everyone again and finally have typical Czech food.
Libisema: 10
Restoring the world
With my knowledge from my exchange year, I am making my peers and family better person by sharing my experiences and knowledge.