Benefits of Being an Exchange Student

I know I've only been living in Japan for a month now, but I have made some great friends, both from school and other exchange students living in Japan. I have made friends with exchange students from all over the world; France, Australia, Ireland, Brazil, Sweden, Canada, Italy,Germany, London, Peru, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Spain, and some other I can't remember at the moment-SORRY! They are all so great/interesting, and it's great that were all having the same type of experience. In other words, "we're all in the same boat." It's fun to compare are lives back home and see how different we all live, and what we view as "normal everyday life." Also,it's funny when we joke about stereotypes about our countries.
I always say to the exchange students, that when our one year abroad is over, that I will be in the country and knocking at their front door wanting to live with them- so be ready for me!
HAHA International Love<3
One tradition Rotary Exchange Students have is exchangingpins from their country, for their Rotary Blazers. This way we can remember who we have met or places we have gone. I only had a few when I left America, but I'm starting to gain more and more, which makes me so happy! I always thought collecting pins was "nerdy," but now I'm into it..don't make fun of me!

You can look at these websites for more info on Rotary blazers, pins, and business card exchanges.
http://www.cultures-shocked.org/wiki/Rotary_blazer,_pins_and_business_cards
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary_Youth_Exchange