Hej, this is B :) I am Sofie's värdsyster from Straya (Australia). I've been here 2 1/2 and am going home in one week. I had always been interested in going on exchange, and my friend, who has just finished a 5 month exchange in Finland, practically filled out the application for me. And I can never thank her enough. Exchange has been amazing, and, trying not to be too cliched, but you learn SO much. You learn how to talk to people, and laugh at yourself, and even be a bit pushy if you need to (hint: your international student card can get you more discounts than you´d you). When I first came I thought Swedes were often very reserved, tacitern, and aloof. I still think this, but it´s something I´ve come to love. I hardly understand how, when Australians are almost always loud and friendly, but I have enjoyed the change. Everything here is different, the food, the school, language, but another thing you learn is that it´s not better or worse or less or more, it just different, and if it works, so be it.

Homesickness has not been a problem for me while I´ve been here, though coming in to my last week I find myself looking forward to see my friends, wear uniform to school, pet my dog, and have a reason to shave my legs. But I DO know I am going to miss playing cards with my Swedish class, wearing jeans to school, not having the chores that come with a dog, and not having to shave my legs. And the candy.... oh my goodness, don´t get me started on the candy. Apparently Sofie wants me to do another one, so, of course I´ll obligue. Until then :)