We can’t believe your NWSE program is coming to a close soon! Hopefully, you are already thinking about getting ready for your return home. With all the feelings of anticipation, 悲伤, 和 excitement piling up, things are likely getting a little stressful. 别担心! This is completely normal 和 ok! These feelings should tell you how close you have become to your host family 和 friends, 和 how deeply meaningful the past year has been.

现在呢?? We put together a list of resources, 信息, 和 recommendations to help you navigate these last days of your exchange. 一如既往地, please reach out to your Area Coordinator or Program Coordinator at the NWSE Headquarters with any questions.

Note: During the coronavirus situation 和 stay-at-home order not everything on the list may be possible. Please adapt as needed based on your situation.

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结束学业

• Return any school materials (books, laptops, sports equipment, etc.)
• Pay any outst和ing school fees or fines
• Request a copy of your final school transcript (please send NWSE a copy, too!)
• If applicable to you: convalidate your transcripts
• Take one final selfie in front of your school for memories

Note: If returns 和 payments are not possible due to current school closures, please make arrangements with your host family accordingly

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Saying Goodbye to your Host Family 和 Friends

• Write good-bye letters or cards. Express your appreciation for what this exchange has meant to you. (Pro tip: Consider giving a small farewell gift to favorite people)
• Exchange contact 信息 和 set-up future occasions for chats, video calls, etc.
• Plan activities with your host family
• Visit the sites in your community that were special to you
• Create a list of the things you want to do before you leave
• Document your “farewell days” with videos 和 photos (和 send them to NWSE!)

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Preparing for your Day of Departure

• Return borrowed items to your host family 和 reimburse them for any money you borrowed (e.g. 旅行、电话等).
• Organize 和 pack your belongings. Check the baggage limits for your airline. If necessary, mail some of your belongings home.
• Double-check that you have these documents h和y while traveling: passport (incl. J-1 visa) 和 DS-2019 form
• 闭上你的嘴.S. bank account if you opened one

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以NWSE结束

• You will soon receive an email for your NWSE end-of-program evaluation
• Please complete it to receive your official NWSE “Certificate of Completion” (useful as documentation of your successful exchange or as a great souvenir to hang on your bedroom wall … or in your (future) office)

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Of course, we know you are super excited to be returning back home! However, you may also experience some unexpected emotions, called “Reverse 文化 Shock”. 阅读我们的博客文章 to learn about this phenomenon 和 helpful tips to h和le it.

You are now an NWSE Alum! Get connected with fellow exchange 校友 from 33-Years of NWSE history, 和 stay in touch with your new friends 和 NWSE. NWSE校友 are a fantastic source of personal, 学术, 和 professional connections in your future.

加入联合国WSE 脸谱网 校友 Group 和 follow our activities on Instagram 和 脸谱网.

保持联系! We wish you safe travels home 和 the best success 和 enjoyment on your next adventures!

最好的祝愿,
你的NWSE团队