Why I came back for a second year, and why you also should do the same.

This blog will be slightly different than the ones I usually write; we'll be looking at why my family and I decided to come back again.

Being an exchange student is obviously very fascinating; you get to try new stuff, learn more about the American culture, learn to live as an American with the fine-selected host families from CIEE, get to see new things you've never seen nor experienced, and the most important one being that you get to share your cultural knowledge with your American peers - family , help them understand more about your culture. ( One time, I even was asked whether us Thai people ride elephants to school; or even asked whether we had a working internet!) This benefits both you and the community you're placed in; they learn more about your culture, while you learn more about them!

So, why my family and I decided to return? Simply because I want to experience more of the American life. As you know, the United States of America is a VERY big country; having almost 10 million km^2 of land, hosting over 300million people; different area ensures that the culture will be different (Not even accounting that the USA is a very diverse country).

For instance, The first time ever coming to the United States as an exchange student, I was placed in Colorado; as you know, Colorado's very well known of her mountainlines, great weather for winter sports (skiing and such), and generally a great place for an outdoor person. It was a magnificent experience in my life, having been exposed to near weather types, new outdoor sports I've never tried before in my whole life. So I thought, if I were to return, where would I end up next? So I decided to return again, now in Arkansas. The two states are very much different; the Colorado is very cold almost all year long, whilst Arkansas being very hot, Colorado being a "rocky' state, whilst Arkansas is very flat. The people are also different, with Arkansas giving a more friendly vibe, where people will smile and wave at you literally everywhere you go! (I think it's part of the "Southern Hospitality"), whereas Colorado people will be more "stern" unless you actually get to know them. The sports are also slightly different; American football is a very big deal down South, compared to Colorado's football, The ball game down here is much more intense and fun to watch.

There also are factors that helped me seal the decision to return; the most important one being the school systems. School systems here in the United States are much different compared to Thailand's; It offers wide range of fields while still being in High school, wide range of mathematics - science - arts. Basically it's more "flexible" for students here in the United States, while not being too "weak" for academics (it actually is very intense , especially with the AP - college classes they offer ). You also have time to do sports, clubs and everything without affecting any of your academics (as you know, if your grades were to drop below a certain number, you'll be suspended from attending the club - compete in any sports). It's basically more "in - order" here in the United States, and that was very appealing to me. 

So yes, you should totally return again; to gain more experiences, share your culture wit your peers - families, learn new cultures in each state / area and just having fun while doing all that.