Doing your homework before you go
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o your homework. It is good to prepare yourself for learning about your host country. This does not mean you need to write an essay or report. There are lots of different and fun ways to get to know your host country! “When I found Estonia on the list of potential destination countries and wanted to learn more about it, I first went to the Wikipedia site in order to gain a general overview. In addition I wanted to know more about the language, I kept searching on this site when suddenly my own name caught my attention, because Maja in Estonian means house and was quoted here as an example of the language. I thought it was funny, because at the time I did not know that I would actually end up in Estonia. I was thrilled that I decided for it, regardless of the complicated language. So I went there, and everything was great.” ––Maja from Germany (exchange to Estonia)
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now your own country. Look up your country on the internet or look through a book or two to strengthen your basic knowledge of the history, political system and people of your home country. You will be surprised about how many things you did not know! You can also better understand the past and present of your country through classic and contemporary movies - or through quick internet searches such as Wikipedia, Google, blogs, etc.
Read some newspapers, watch or listen to the news so you will be more informed about current events in your home country.
Research can be a good tool...... © Youth For Understanding International Educational Services
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