Everything happy former exchange students tell you in the beginning but you don't believe because you can't imagine it? Believe them. Chloe left eight months ago today. Just like they said, it seems like only yesterday and it seems like a lifetime ago; the middle months, especially, have flown by for us and for her; we can't believe it's almost time for her to come home; her language has improved past where she thought possible; she's worried about leaving, knowing that she won't see again so many people who have been a part of her life. As much as this has been a unique experience for Chloe and for us, it's not at all unique among most exchange student families.
Exchange Students & Expatriates
Spain and Pamplona
Rotary and RYE
Books
Marie Louis Graff: Culture Shock Spain (Culture Shock)
Gets bad reviews. Won't know until I get there, but there seem to be too many generalizatons based on her personal opinions. (**)Marian Meaney: Culture Smart Spain: A Quick Guide to Customs & Etiquette (Culture Smart)
Concise and covers a broad range of topics. BUT: the Amazon information on this book is wrong--it's for another book. (****)Chris Stewart: Driving Over Lemons: An Optimist in Andalucia
By a British guy who bought a run-down farm in Spain. Amusing and interesting, with a good introduction to regular people and their customs. (****)Nancy King: Host Family Survival Kit : A Guide for American Host Families
Good for parents and outbound students, too, even if you're not going to be a host family. Lots of information on what to expect, with emphasis on anticipating and understanding cultural differences. Includes a suggested reading list, too. (****)Bill Bryson: Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe
Bill Bryson--that's all you need to know. Not exactly Spain, but Europe is close enough. I'd stand in line to buy a phone book if it was written by Bill Bryson. (*****)
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Monday, May 02, 2005
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