Moi !!

I’m Maïwenn !! I’m a French exchange student and I live in Laukaa for 10 months.

Since 5 months, I have lived my life like a Finn. I go everyday at the Laukaa lukio by bike like my host siblings, I try finnish food, and now I enjoy peace and solitude whereas in France I couldn’t spend more than 15 minutes without talking to someone ! In addition to my Finnish life, I have my life with AFS (the association thanks to which I’m in Finland). Sometimes, AFS volunteers organize activities which all AFS exchange students can attend. I also have Finnish lesson in Jyväskylä once a week with some AFS exchange students and some people who live in Finland. I also have the opportunity to visit Lapland several times with my host family and with AFS.

In my high school in France there are many exchange students. They were always together. Before I arrived, I thought there would be at least one exchange student at the same high school as me but I discovered that I was the only one. The idea of being alone never scared me because some students quickly came to talk to me ! I know it’s hard to come and talk to someone you don’t know in a language that isn’t your native tongue so thank you to everyone who has had the courage to do so. Thank you also to all people who translated the lessons for me, answered my questions, and helped me when I was lost. And of course, thank you to the lukio who welcomed me during those months and to the teachers who welcomed me into their classes and guided me.

To conclude this text, I just want to say something to students who are hesitant to go abroad. Go for it !!! It’s truly a wonderful experience than can only happen to you once in your life ! You learn as much about yourself as you do about your host country. And if you just don’t know where to start, you can find out more on the AFS Finland website or I’m sure some teachers will be happy to help you !

Hei hei !!