Exchange student = Going on a vacation? Um..

Yeaaah.. I wont deny it, being an exchange student abroad is definitely a big chance to have some vacation. But, in the 'behind the scene stories', besides all of the pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower, or the poses in the middle of the New York Times Square ---- which all would look so cool ---- there are a lot of untold stories, um, not all are great and enjoyable. These are the list of the lessons that I got from my times abroad:

• It's okay to get lost, as long as you aren't shy to ask someone knowledgeable. Just keep watching the roads, the surroundings, and the signs, don't give up, and don't forget to pray. You'll find the right way! 
• Procrastination is a big NO!
• Be open-minded, be tolerant, be nice, but don't lose yourself!
• At one point, you'll find the road that you're taking now is hard and unbearable, and you'll find yourself feeling really lonely, without any luxury such as the comfort and protection of family and friends. Just remember that this hard path is the way of God asking you to come back to Him. Somehow, you might have been stranded farther from Him. He just wants you to rely and ask help only on Him.
• an exchange experience is also a precious chance to give yourself some self-reflection. In home, you are mostly at your comfort zone, so you might get too comfortable and not be able too see yourself clearly. In some strange places like this, you will find yourself more aware, especially aware of yourself. 

This list is gonna be updated, so stay tune! :)

PS: Despite the lists above, exchange year is so much fun nonetheless. Just enjoy everything that you're experiencing, you'll laugh at it sometimes in the future when you try to remember your exchange experience. :D