Hi, I’m Sarah.
I’m a professional writer, perpetual traveler, and a harsh critic. (That’s a good thing.)
A few decades ago (ahem), I did an exchange in France.
It changed my life, but it didn’t go to plan. We knew nothing about the program, the host family, or what I should expect.
It wasn’t easy.
Now it’s your turn.
As a family, we’ve valued experiences more than anything. As a parent (and a former teenager), I strongly believe in “it’s now or never.” We started researching gap year & exchange year opportunities for my oldest when he was a sophomore in high school. Before I knew it, two weeks after he turned 18, he was working as an English teaching assistant in a small French town for a year. Now, my daughter is spending her junior year in Germany. Read her journal here!
It’s…a lot.
Like I said, I’m a harsh critic. The process of applying and preparing to volunteer or study abroad is almost as difficult as learning the language of your host country. Take it from me, sponsor organizations aren’t going to hold your hand and help you navigate your way through it all. That’s where I come in.
Finding the right program.
Whether you want to volunteer on an Irish farm, work in a French boarding school, or spend a year as a Thai high school student, finding the right place (at the right price) isn’t easy. I’ll help you walk through options to find out where you belong. The answer might surprise you!
The application process.
Most 15-year-olds haven’t done panel interviews or written a letter of motivation that could very well change their life. From deadlines, forms, and personal statements, I’ll guide you through the process and keep everything on track.
Yay! You’re going. Now what?
No two programs are alike when it comes to their travel requirements and the level of help they provide. Need a visa before you go, or a residency permit when you get there? Do your parents need to provide bank statements to your host country? What exactly is an apostille, anyway? Don’t worry, I’ve got the answers.
Mental preparation is probably the most important part.
It’s all fun and games until you’re in line at TSA, hours away from your flight. Things get real—real fast. With my personal experience, both on my own trips and helping my kids overcome a range of emotions, and my professional experience, I’ll be a resource to get you ready to say goodbye and keep you motivated once you’re there.
I’ve been the parent of an exchange student and a host parent, so I’ve seen it all from every side.