Once you’ve returned from your journey abroad, you’ll likely find yourself reflecting often on your experiences in the weeks and months that follow – this is why it makes a big difference to have photos, journal entries, or recordings to look back on!
Deycy from Vermont in Japan
If you didn’t find yourself keeping a journal (whether written or recorded) while you studied abroad, writing a blog post might be a great way to reflect on and share your experience with your friends and family. Many study abroad alumni write blog posts not only to preserve the memories from their program, but to think deeply about what they’ve learned, educate others about their host country’s culture, and prepare themselves for a future of continued global exploration. You may even find that something you write or create will inspire others to travel to your host country!
Spending time reflecting on your journey abroad is also an incredibly important opportunity to set yourself up for future success. Your program provided you with skills like adaptability, resilience, and cultural awareness.
If you’re planning on applying to college or a work-related program after high school, these skills you’ve gained through AFS are a wonderful representation of your preparedness for life after high school. They also show prospective schools and employers that you’re someone who’s curious, adventurous, and eager to explore the world – qualities that can make you an ideal candidate for a variety of new experiences, roles, and programs.
Check out these videos from our AFS-USA alumni, who remark how their exchange experiences influenced their lives and careers.
If you need additional assistance on how to apply your AFS experience to your future endeavors, be sure to check out our webinar recording ( link coming soon) or reach out to our Marketing team at marketing@afsusa.org for support!