Finding a new home

The cliché that study abroad is not a year in a life, but a life in a year holds so much truth. Between school work and family and friends and weekend travels my life in Spain was so exhaustingly wonderful. I was welcomed and loved by mere strangers. Like that time I didn't have exact change for the last bus fare back to my host family town. A complete stranger so me struggling and completely saved me that night. Or when 20 of us exchange students were waiting in a bus station and this old lady taught us tongue twisters. And all of those strangers on the street who took our pictures. I love all of my memories from Spain.
To begin with, AFS had the history and the reputation that encouraged my parents to let their 16 year old travel thousands of miles away for 10 months. AFS was there every step of the way with monthly orientation meetings where everything from homesickness to family troubles was discussed. The real reason I loved the orientations was the other exchange students. To be able to talk and make connections with people who understand exactly what you're going through is invaluable.
Take the leap. Becoming comfortable with uncertainty and saying yes will change everything. And AFS volunteers who have studied abroad themselves understand what it's like and they care so much.
I wouldn't trade the friendships, family, and new home I found while abroad for anything.