Edward Hunt from Australia went on a one-year exchange to Finland in 2024–25, an experience that deeply shaped his life. Here is a little insight into his experience, in his own words.
Going on exchange was the best time of my life, and I would give anything to relive it.
As you can imagine, the idea of leaving your parents for a whole year and starting an entirely new life in a country on the other side of the world is a daunting task for a 16-year-old. Before my exchange, I struggled to talk to strangers and step outside my comfort zone. I stuck to the same group of friends at school and never really thought about the bigger picture. Life felt small, familiar, and safe.
That all changed in Finland.
As the year flew by, I began to grow in ways I hadn’t expected. I was stepping outside my comfort zone regularly — not by choice at first, but out of necessity — and slowly, it became second nature. I became more open-minded, more outgoing, and started to see life from a much broader perspective.
Coming home was its own kind of culture shock. Seeing my old friends again for the first time, I realised that a year had passed and that life at home had moved on just as mine had abroad. Some of the friendships I had once held onto so tightly had quietly faded, and that was okay. The experiences and connections I had built in Finland more than filled that space.
Even so, all I wanted after returning was to go back. I couldn’t stop thinking about my life there. So, six months after my exchange ended, I did exactly that — I flew back to visit my host family. And the moment I arrived, it felt like home.
If you’re considering an exchange, do it. You won’t just see the world differently. You’ll see yourself differently, too.
Curious to learn more? Explore our programs here and experience a life-changing journey for yourself.
