The Exchange Student Survival Kit (Paperback)

~ Bettina Hansel (Author)
Key Phrases: most exchange students, many exchange students, other exchange students, United States, New Year, Homestay Stage (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Study abroad has never been so popular, and as students are embarking on life-changing adventures, they need some tried and true advice. "The Exchange Student Survival Kit" has become the essential guide for young people traveling abroad, helping them better understand the unique experience of international exchange programs and avoid many common misunderstandings and problems that may occur in the course of their adjustment to a new culture, a new family, a new school and a new community. Based on her years of research and professional involvement with AFS Intercultural Programs, Dr Hansel has filled the book with examples taken from the experiences of dozens of exchange students from a broad spectrum of cultures. This much-awaited new edition includes: New communications technology as it affects the experience: email, instant messaging, cell phones, on-line games and blogs and information searches; Important advice on personal safety, pressing concerns for parents and students in light of war, terrorism, and crime; and, Changes in society and family life that affect travelers: fast food replacing family meals, a new emphasis on religious beliefs, consumerism, and globalism. For the student going abroad, "The Exchange Student Survival Kit" is the first thing to pack!

About the Author

Bettina Hansel is Head of Research & Evaluation, AFS International, based in New York City. AFS is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations. More than 11,000 students, young adults and teachers participate in AFS programs each year.

Product Details

• Paperback: 166 pages
• Publisher: Intercultural Press; 2 Upd Rev edition (May 26, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931930317
• ISBN-13: 978-1931930314
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #663,705 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must For Future Exchange Students, November 3, 2002

By	"quitogirl2000" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Exchange Student Survival Kit (Paperback)

This is an excellent book for anyone who's going to be an exchange student, as it gives the reader a realistic view of what going on the exchange will really entail. It covers settling in, homesickness, culture shock, making friends, learning the language, getting ready to leave, and "reverse culture shock" -- coming home again. Although not every exchange student may experience the stages in the exact order or extent the author describes, most exchange students will be able to identify with what she's saying. I found it very informative and comforting to read this book before going to Ecuador for a year, and it was also helpful to read during the exchange, simply to know that what seemed like bizarre feelings were really fairly normal for exchange students. Do yourself a favor and read this book before you go, you'll be glad you did. It'll leave you feeling a whole lot less in the dark about what's going to happen during your exchange.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Culture Shock, September 19, 2008

By	L. Rohrer "Lauren" (United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm planning on going to France through a foreign exchange program next year. This book completely caught me off guard. It made me aware of the culture shock an exchange student experiences when adjusting to a new family and lifestyle. The book helps you prepare for your year abroad and for returning home to the U.S. It explains the (about) 8 steps of the exchange process and how each one affects the student. My favorite part of the book, though, were the examples from former exchange students. Their stories helped make the book more insightful, and they helped me to understand what I should do in different situations. I highly recommend the book for future travelers.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute "must-read" for any prospective exchange student, January 4, 2008

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

The Exchange Student Survival Kit is a solid primer for foreign exchange students and host families alike. Now in a completely revised and updated second edition that includes references to the latest communications technology (e-mail, instant messaging, cell phones, online games, etc.), crucial advice with regard to personal safety, and notes concerning ongoing changes in society and family life that affect travelers, The Exchange Student Survival Kit covers everything from practical packing to learning to identify "red flag" emotions that are likely triggered by culture shock to preparing for reverse culture shock on the trip home. Peppered throughout with anecdotes of young people from various different nations adjusting to a new way of life, The Exchange Student Survival Kit is an absolute "must-read" for any prospective exchange student or host family.