My High School Exchange Adventure in Hawaii

“Hawaii is such a wonderful, healing place for me. I feel so at ease with the natives and love the tranquillity of the islands. It is a place to find inner peace and be one with nature.” — Camille Grammer

My Farthest Journey Away from Home

My year-long stay in Hawaii during high school was my farthest journey from home. My parents were amazingly courageous. I am still amazed at how they entrusted me with such an incredible adventure, one that I now appreciate even more as a parent myself.

It was all thanks to the advice of my English teacher, who recognized the unique opportunity this exchange program held for me. It was my chance to master the English language and cultivate life skills that only such an immersive experience could offer.

Hawaii, with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, became my home away from home. I was welcomed into a loving host family, where every few weeks or months, new international kids would join us.

This family was a true melting pot, with kids hailing from all corners of the globe. Most of the students were from Asia. Hence, I was immersed in a new world of traditions and cultural experiences.

It was here that I began an unforgettable journey of discovery.

I learned the value of appreciating our differences while finding common ground in the shared experience of living on an island that was originally not American land.

The rich mix of indigenous culture and traditions integrated into daily life served as a continual reminder of the island’s distinct heritage.

I turned 17 years old, at the end of September of that year while in Hawaii. It was after the nine-eleven events, so the world was still shaken. I chose to celebrate my birthday at the skating rink of all places. The kid I was back then had funky ideas and a curious outlook on all new experiences.

Exploring The Big Island and Kauai

During my exchange program, I had the incredible opportunity to explore Hawaii’s Big Island, home to its steaming volcanoes and the renowned Kalua coffee bean plantation.

I also ventured to Kauai Island, where the lush green landscapes left an indelible mark, providing me with a vivid glimpse into the heart of a tropical jungle.

We traveled to the other islands as a group, together with other exchange students from the program. We had a strong sense of camaraderie within our community of like-minded teenagers who shared similar academic challenges and aspirations for the future.

2001 was a pivotal year in my life

The year 2001 marked a pivotal turning point in my life, filled with aspirations for meaningful change. I harbored a deep desire to further explore the world through travel.

I knew the importance of continuing my education and making wise choices regarding my future. I started researching the requirements for applying to colleges and universities in the USA and Europe.

This period afforded me invaluable mentors and exposed me to novel approaches to learning and teaching in the American style. Moreover, it marked my introduction to the world of a wider-spread internet. I was surprised to find computers in the school library. Kids had access to a wealth of knowledge in an entirely new way.

Moreover, I found that I had greater access to the internet compared to my hometown. This newfound connectivity enabled me to embark on an online blogging journey, opening the door to a vibrant and diverse community of fellow bloggers and budding writers. This experience ushered me into a different realm, one where I could connect with like-minded individuals who shared my passion for writing and creative expression.

Hawaii gifted me with an invaluable education that transcended textbooks and classrooms. It was a year of forging lasting friendships, appreciating diverse perspectives, and immersing myself in a world of cultures. Hawaii will forever be the island where I nurtured my global perspective, all while basking in the warmth of the aloha spirit.

“Hawaii is paradise. It sounds cheesy to say it, but there’s music in the air there.” — Bruno Mars

Have you been to Hawaii or would you like to go there?

Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear your ideas.

For me, it was more than a touristic experience. It was a full immersion into the culture and life of the island, with all its traditions and American mix at the same time.

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***I originally published this article on Medium.***

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