Milestones

So, I've been thinking about the steps of an exchange student's life, and I've decided to write them down. Here they are:

1) You locate your host country on a map.
2) If unfamiliar with the language, you learn the words for "hello," "goodbye" and "bathroom."
3) You've packed.
4) You've gotten on your plane.
5) You've gotten off your plane. Rinse and repeat (twice more).
6) You've met your family.
7) You've met your bed (soon after meeting family).
8) You've realized just how unprepared you are.
9) Breakdown #1.
10) School.
11) Breakdown #2.
12) School gets better.
13) Breakdown #3 (not required).
14) You've gained or lost weight. I've lost weight.
15) Language skills improve.
16) You begin having fun.
17) You go home. Breakdowns ensue.

Notice that numbers 4-13 happen within the first week or two after arrival. After you've adjusted, things only improve. They certainly have for me.