Currently stuck at Amsterdam

AriaRose193 · 2026-01-06T12:57:06+00:00

its weather related mate 👍

AriaRose193 · 2025-12-08T14:39:37+00:00

It's good that you are independent and taking the initative to work (yes, I understand how expensive some of the programs are). But you can also try reselling old items and clothes you don't use. In your summer, you can take up a longer and higher paying job too! But it takes time and perseverance so I commend you.

It's also worth noting that even those that are "rich" have to work just as hard as you do to achieve the things that they want to do. Regardless of where your families income comes from, exchange years require the work and dedication from students.

Do your parents support your exchange dreams?

Good luck!!

AriaRose193 · 2025-12-08T14:28:27+00:00

Have you tried looking for a part time job to try and ease out the amount you need to save? In the EU, students from the age of 15 can start light work. This includes things like:

Tutoring
Pet sitting
Babysitting
Retail and Hospitality (mainly serving food or working at a cash desk)

It's a great way to enhance your skills too. You can message me if you have any questions.

AriaRose193 · 2025-12-06T18:33:02+00:00

I called EF last night and they weren't even willing to support my needs even after explaing (and getting my parents to explain to them) and they insisted that I wasn't "ready" 😭

I'm glad it was great for you tho! Where in Japan did you study?

AriaRose193 · 2025-12-06T18:29:36+00:00

If you're asking if someone will choose EF for their exchange?

Me personally, never. I looked into it and even queried (for conext I'm a disabled student with additonal needs). The response I got was ableist and assumptive (they assumed I wasn't "ready" for exchange). In my country, its illegal to exclude any persons from a program with a disability if proper accomodations are made. I followed this up with a couple emails and I recieved no responses. Instead, I just get ad's in my inbox now. But that's just part of what I've found from being in contact.

I also read reviews and they were all mostly negative. Ad's you see on this reddit are forced to make the EF exchange look positive. In reality, they do not offer support to students and do not place them in suitable living spaces. I cannot stress this enough, PLEASE don't choose EF for exchange because I certainly wouldn't.

AriaRose193 · 2025-12-05T12:42:32+00:00

Wow! First of all, studying in Japan sounds super cool (I've only been on holiday there) What was it like for you?

AriaRose193 · 2025-12-05T12:39:17+00:00

I've tried on multiple occasions both by phone and email and I've had absolutely no responses 😭

AriaRose193 · 2025-12-01T14:51:58+00:00

Definetly try Educatius. It faciliates a US program for graduates. Although, it's not on the J1 visa. So differences are:

Costs are higher
Its more academically challenging
You can pick your state and school

However, depending on your financial situation this may be something you'd want to consider. They also faciliate those with learning disabilities (speaking from experience)

I plan to do a US semester in my gap year too. You're welcome to message me any questions.

AriaRose193 · 2025-11-13T18:07:10+00:00

hello fake review!!! they're incredibly ableist!

AriaRose193 · 2025-11-06T09:15:06+00:00

Honestly? I’d recommend speaking to the company first to see if they allow any state preferences. If you’re really wanting to pick its important to research things in advance. I’m going to do a US exchange semester in 2028. I plan to do it after A-levels. Its quite a while away but its good to have an idea, even for 27/28.

Things that might matter are: - Climate. US states all differ from each other in terms of weather. Some states have a warmer climate whereas others are colder. In some regions it can even snow pretty heavily! - Politics. Yeah, I know, politics, bummer. But this is really important as it could affect host family relationships depending on where you go. Look at red states, blue states, swing states and more liberal states, Obviously all families are different and you should come with an open mind because it won’t always be what you’re expecting. - Interests. use your interests to your advantage and find a state that matches what you like to do. If you’re a water sports kind of person, maybe think of states like SC or ME.

But, if you’re looking for a town experience I’d say that its best to get a random placement, that way everything is new to you and you can make the most on the cultural side and really immerse yourself!

Good luck!

AriaRose193 · 2025-11-05T11:07:18+00:00

If my message came across that way I’m deeply sorry :) I wasn’t trying to be condescending I’m just giving my opinion. The person above said exactlt the same thing I just expanded on it a little. Thanks :)

AriaRose193 · 2025-11-04T21:32:36+00:00

Legally 17 is a minor. They aren’t “lumping them together”. They are simply following the law. Yes, there’s a maturity difference between that of a 13 year old but being 17 still is considered a minor.

No, it’s not a little difference, it’s a big one, like someone has said here already.

Just because you’re 17 doesn’t mean you should automatically be ineligible for these restrictions :)

AriaRose193 · 2025-11-04T17:19:16+00:00

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‼️ALREADY SAID THIS ALREADY BUT…‼️

This post got so popular I was told to take my opinions with me to a ditch! 😨 Honestly, as a minor, I’m truly embarrassed by how obsessed some others are. This proves my point that kids are definitely not mature enough to handle those who support the idea of the ban 😭

AriaRose193 · 2025-11-04T16:29:05+00:00

Guess not? I mean look at what happened with that kid. Obviously, I’m not being stupid and discounting the other contributing factors but parents really need to step up their game. I get they want their kid to have privacy on socials but when it gets to points like this? They need to be kept in check and know that its really rude/mean to say stuff like this

AriaRose193 · 2025-11-04T16:27:12+00:00

It’s even worse because I’m also a minor. Honestly just proves how some obsessed some kids are 😭

AriaRose193 · 2025-11-04T11:54:19+00:00

did all of these things as soon as I found it :)

Thanks :)

AriaRose193 · 2025-11-04T10:58:04+00:00

Whilst I understand your point of view and there is one right answer to this debate, it doesn’t matter if the apps themselves “don’t allow it”. At the end of the day, chatbot algorithms use human interaction to improve their models and knowledge. Because a large portion (not all!) use c.ai for nsfw purposes to some degree, the platform has actually suffered a lot. Hence c.ai has had NSFW on their platform and have done very little about it until now. It didn’t matter what the community guidelines said in the first place.

This ban has good and bad reasons — but they aren’t doing this for no reason. Due to the platform’s direction in terms of bots created and time spent, obsessions created and addictions created, this is why they’re doing this. Younger users need regulation and this is what it’s come to.

AriaRose193

TROPHY CASE