Pre-Departure Orientation, Burlington, VT

Lunchtime at the Orientation

Yesterday was the Vermont team's first orientation in Burlington. I went with both of my parents, and we arrived five minutes late (which is apparently something I will have to get used to in Argentina). I was shocked when I got there to see another student from St. Johnsbury Academy, Ryan Weber, who is graduating in a few days and plans on doing a gap year in Austria. It was nice to know somebody there, seeing as most of the students were all from Burlington High School. We all started out with some activities that were metaphors for a foreign exchange, like writing with your non dominant hand. Then we got into smaller groups to write lists of expectations and concerns, so we really had a chance to talk with some other students. The parents wrote expectations and concerns too... I think their expectations differentiated a bit from ours.
There were two other girls in the group going to Argentina, one for a summer and one for a semester. Both had been placed in Cordoba. I haven't been placed yet, but hopefully that news is coming soon. There were only a few other countries represented. There were some going to Austria, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Indonesia, and India. It was surprising that those were the only ones there.
We did a few other activities throughout the day. We did some safety sessions, skits, and some games. Then it was over. Believe it or not, we had all bonded a lot in that short time. And for the most part, our concerns had been answered, or at least we knew we weren't the only ones that were excited, nervous, and scared all at the same time for their exchange.
So now it's just waiting... for placement, my host family, my school, my departure date. More information will be here soon.