Mauricio studied on high school in Austria

Mauricio from Mexico went on an exchange to Austria.

Deciding to go on an exchange with STS

This year, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a year on exchange in Austria. It was an unforgettable experience that lasted a full school year, from September to June. I chose to do this exchange because I wanted to experience something different before finishing high school, something that would allow me to grow both personally and academically. My brother also influenced my decision of the exchange year since he was also in one

I chose Austria for several reasons. I was always fascinated by the culture, history, and, of course, its stunning Alpine landscapes. Additionally, I wanted to learn German and immerse myself in a European culture different from my own.

I chose STS because it had good recommendations and an organized process. Also, my brother was on an exchange 3 years before me. I am very happy with them; they made the whole process smooth and were available for any questions or problems that arose.

I also found the school quite easy thanks to the help of STS, the exchange organization I traveled with. They took care of everything, from enrollment to finding a host family.

Finding new hobbies

In my spare time, I discovered how much I like exercising and taking care of my body and did many activities like running, climbing, and hiking. I learned to ski in the Alps, something I had never done before. I also even took surfing classes and learned a lot about the culture and foods.

Creating new friendships

Making friends was a mix of easy and hard. At first, the language barrier was a challenge, but over time and with a lot of practice, my German improved, and I was able to communicate better. My classmates were very friendly and helped me a lot. I also met other friends from my home country who became really close to me to the point that saying goodbye was difficult.

Cultural differences – Austria vs Mexico

The differences between Austria and Mexico were significant. The pace of life, the food, the customs, and, of course, the language were very different. However, these differences were precisely what made the experience so enriching.

Expectations

My exchange year was not exactly as I expected; it was much better. There were challenges, like adapting to the language and the climate, but I overcame them with patience and effort. I learned to be more independent and to adapt to new and unfamiliar situations.

The positive aspects about going on an exchange

The best things about the exchange were the friendships I made, the new skills I acquired, and the unique experiences I had.

I absolutely recommend going on a high school exchange. Studying abroad opens your mind, challenges you, and allows you to grow in ways you never imagined. If someone asked me for advice, I would tell them to prepare for challenges but enjoy every moment. I might have studied more German before going, but I’m happy with how everything turned out.

I’m sure my exchange will positively affect my future. I’ve gained confidence, intercultural skills, and a third language that will surely benefit me in my professional and personal life.

In summary, my exchange year in Austria with STS was a transformative and highly recommended experience. If you have the chance, don’t hesitate and dare to live such an adventure!

Find out more

• Read more student stories from Austria
• Read more about a high school exchange in Austria
• See all our high school exchange destinations