Why Exchange Students Should Try New Things

“Have you tried cow’s tongue?”

This question came up as a group of friends was asking me about which typical Chilean foods I’d tried so far during my exchange.

I scrunched my nose, shook my head, and said, “No, gracias.”

My friend, Rhode, quickly piped up, “Yes you have! You had it at my house.”

So that’s what that was! (Sometimes it’s better not to ask. . .) I remembered eating some kind of unfamiliar meat when I had lunch at her house—and I liked it!

Had I known what it was, I’m not sure I would have tried it. But I’m glad I did.

Discovering new delights is one of the wonderful parts of exchange!

But it’s one that is often missed if a student is not adventuresome enough to step outside the box of familiarity.

It’s easy to stick with the tried and true favorites, and not risk the unknown.

But there are many surprises and treasures waiting for those who take the chance.

Sometimes trying something new brings instant enjoyment.

My Chilean host family introduced me to dulce de leche, a sweet, caramelly goodness with a consistency thicker than ice cream topping but thinner than peanut butter. It’s used in many Chilean desserts or simply spread over a piece of bread.

In recent years, it’s gained popularity in the U.S., but back in 1987 it was completely unheard of here.

My host father explained that it’s “sweet milk”.  I later learned it’s made from cooking sweetened condensed milk—in the unopened can—in a bath of hot water.

Who wouldn’t love this scrumptious stuff? It instantly became a favorite treat in my host country.

Other times, the taste is acquired over time.

At first, the daily Chilean once (pronounced OWN-say) of black tea and bread in the late afternoon was completely palatable, but nothing to write home about (unless there was dulce de leche on the bread).

However, after ten months of the daily tradition, I had developed a sweet spot for it—not only in my palate, but also in my heart.

I craved it when I returned back home to the U.S.  And now, 35 years later, the thought of eating once still makes me smile.

But this opportunity is not limited to food. . .

My German daughter, Miri, decided to play sports during her year in Oregon because “that’s what Americans do”.

Miri was smart and delightful, but not particularly athletic, and she had never played sports before.

That didn’t stop her one bit.

She won the Most Clumsy award on her soccer team, was an enthusiastic benchwarmer for her basketball team, and reached her track season goal to “not come in last” in her race.

When Miri came back to visit us a few years later, I asked her to share some of her best memories of her exchange. She quickly replied, “playing sports.”

Even though she hadn’t excelled on any of her teams, she loved the experience because it gave her a sense of accomplishment, helped her make friends, and it was so very American.

Sometimes you learn to love what you once feared.

My Jordanian son, Khaleel, was excited to come live with our family, except for one thing: our boxer dog.

Khaleel had never owned a dog, and Betsy looked intimidating—even dangerous—to him.

Our insistence that she was totally friendly and gentle did little to reassure Khaleel.

In his first week with us, he didn’t want to be in the same room as the dog. But little by little, his fear melted.

By the end of the year, they were the best of friends. Khaleel loved to play and snuggle with her.

In fact, when he returned to Jordan, he begged his mom to get him a dog!

Sometimes trying new things changes the trajectory of your life.

I was the coordinator for Om, a Thai boy who liked to play soccer and breakdance.

He had never cooked before, but as any good exchange student does, he worked hard to make a Thai dish for his host family.

And he discovered he enjoyed cooking.  A lot.

When Om returned to Thailand, he attended culinary school and eventually become one of the top chefs in Thailand!

He has served ambassadors, competed on Iron Chef Thailand, and had his own magazine column.

And it all started by cooking for his host family.

Don’t miss all the amazing experiences that are waiting for you!

 As a new school year begins, more than 1500 ICES students across the country are faced with the opportunity to try new things.

Don’t miss it. Don’t waste it.

Every new food, activity, and experience can enrich your life and color your exchange.

Even if you don’t feel like it, give it a try.

You’ll be glad you did.