Stop for a second and think about this: two months ago, you were packing your suitcase, saying teary goodbyes, and hopping on a plane to a brand-new life. That was brave. Now look at you—living in another country, navigating school in a different language, and figuring out life in a new family. That’s not just “getting by.” That’s amazing.
It’s totally normal to still feel like things are hard sometimes. But don’t forget—you’ve already done some pretty incredible things just by being here.
Look Back: Celebrate Your “Firsts”
Think about all the “firsts” you’ve already survived (and crushed!).
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Your first awkward cafeteria lunch where you weren’t sure where to sit.
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Your first time introducing yourself to a whole class.
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Your first school event, sports practice, or club meeting.
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Even simple stuff—like learning how to get to school, trying a new food, or figuring out how to use the washing machine.
Every single one of those counts. They may not feel like trophies, but they’re proof that you’re adjusting, growing, and becoming part of this new world.
Look Around: Wins Are Happening Right Now
Sometimes progress is so quiet you almost miss it. But pause and look around—you’re already winning in ways you might not realize:
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You understand more of the language now than when you landed.
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You’ve probably found “your spot” in class or at lunch.
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Inside jokes with friends are starting to click.
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The rhythm of your host family’s routine feels more familiar.
Those are victories. And celebrating them helps you see that the scary, hard parts don’t last forever—they turn into wins if you keep going.
Look Forward: Small Steps = Big Moments
Here’s the exciting part: today’s little wins are tomorrow’s big stories.
Every time you say “yes” to something new—joining a club, trying out for a team, saying hi to someone you don’t know—you’re planting seeds. Some will grow fast, others will take months, but all of them will add up to the kind of year you’ll never forget.
That big, movie-worthy exchange year you pictured before you left? It’s built out of all these small moments you’re living right now.
Fun Ways to Keep Track of Your Wins
Celebrating your wins doesn’t mean throwing a party every time you survive a school lunch (though, hey, why not?). But it does mean paying attention and giving yourself credit. Try one of these:
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Win Journal: Write down one small victory every day. (Future you will thank you when you look back at how far you’ve come!)
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Photo Diary: Snap pics of your “firsts” and little wins—funny, awkward, or awesome. They all count.
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Share Out Loud: Tell your host family or friends, “Hey, I totally ordered lunch by myself today.” Own it.
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Celebrate Yourself: Blast your favorite playlist, grab a snack, or just take a moment to say, “I did that.”
The more you notice, the more motivated you’ll be to keep pushing forward.
Every Step Counts
Your exchange year won’t be one giant highlight reel—it’s a collection of moments, challenges, and small victories that build into something amazing. You’ve already started that story, and it’s only going to get better.
So keep noticing. Keep celebrating. Keep saying yes.
What’s one small win you’ve celebrated recently? Drop it in the comments—we want to cheer you on!
