The reason I want to be an EF Ambassador

Being an EF Ambassador is not just something it is a responsibility and I think/hope I can for fill that responsibility.

A reason why I want to be an ambassador is because of the amazing (really amazing) camp ambassador I had at camp. At camp we were divided in different high schools. My high school was Grant North (Go Gators!). The ambassador that represented Grant North was Miz. She is from Japan and she is a student in the EF class of '17. I think she spent her Exchange Year in Connecticut, but I am not a 100% sure. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. Miz helped us (the group of students in Grant North) so much with homesickness, with sharing her experience and by just being Miz. To be honest she not just helped us, she helped all the people at camp who needed her and she will probably help a lot of future students back in Japan too.

I have so much respect for Miz, because people told me that she was the most silent girl and maybe even shy. I do not know that Miz, the Miz I know was really open, fun, amazing and supportive. Miz is one of the reasons why I want to be an ambassador. To help future students just as Miz did with us because it meant so much to me. I also loved camp and Miz is one of the reasons why.

Miz and me

Why should I be an EF Ambassador?

My application did not go as one of the smoothest. I applied in January 2016 but then I sort of stopped my application because my dad became sick. I replied in December 2016 with a state-choice for Illinois. After my second application I had a lot of contact with EF in the Netherlands. They helped me a lot with the application and all the things around it.

EF the Netherlands arranged a few meeting for all the students whom were going on an Exchange Year. I had a blast during the bowling thingy and the workshopday because I got introduced to so many exchange students.

During those meeting I asked my contact person in The Netherlands so many times if they already knew where I was placed, but no. They figured my placement out like a week before my departure to the states. I was planned to go to Urbana, IL (my state choice worked).

So on July 19 I went to the US and I had an amazing time at camp (like I said before).

After camp I was picked up from the airport by my IEC, because my host family was at a wedding. After staying 3 day at my IEC's house I went to my host family. I am sad to say that did not work out. Because of some laws my IEC had to come pick me up and I decided to not come back. EF really supported me in this. They asked me multiple times if I wanted to do this and talked this through with me. I am happy that they did that, just because it is nice if everything is clear.

Me and Jayme (my IEC)

EF started to search a new host family for me and they did a tremendous job. After 1,5 weeks staying with my IEC, where I had an awesome time) I went to my new host family. A new start and I was super excited to meet them.

Now I have been with my new family in Princeville for let's say 1,5 months and I am loving it. I have a brother, a sister, a dad and a mom and I love it, I am super lucky with this family, really lucky, and I have EF to thank for that.

Alyssa (my sister), Griffin (my brother) and me

The reason of this story is that I wanted to show my bond with EF and how I have experienced my exchange until now. Because of the experience I have with EF I know I can really trust them and I can help future students if they end up in situations like this, because it is not a lot of fun but eventually it will turn out great if you put a little bit of effort in it.

I am just really grateful for the chance that is given to me. Being nominated as an EF Ambassador. It is an honor and I hope I can show it to other (future) exchange students.

Thank you!

Lieve Camonier