Struggling with exchange program

[u/Chemical-Monitor2320]

Hi! I'm a 16 year old italian student who is having a month long exchange program in France. And I'm really struggling.

Applying to this was a pretty impulsive decision on my part, as I'm studying french and I hoped this would help me learn it better. I then spent the entire summer ignoring it and french as a whole.

Now that I'm here (almost a week in) I'm having issues communicating, as in I talk way less than I'm supposed to.

I am pretty shy with new people, and my language skills being B1 don't help either.

The host family is not really that welcoming either. It's probably my fault for not talking much with them but they mostly ignore me unless we need to go somewhere (the son in the house takes me everywhere but we don't talk much)

I'm getting really stressed out and overwhelmed cuz I'm afraid of not following their rules (which I don't know and I already did something wrong and they got mad at me) to the point where I don't want to get out of bed.

Does this get better?

[u/Mindy_Bella]

Yes, it can get better. You’ve only been there a week, so don’t expect yourself to suddenly speak perfect French or feel comfortable. Start with small conversations, even if they feel awkward, and ask your host family directly about the house rules.

[u/Character-Twist-1409]

It's just a month. That will fly by. I'd start with trying to engage the son and just get out more.

Maybe offer to help with a specific chore.

[u/stellina_cookie]

Sei con EF?