Application Tips

So while the memory is fresh, let me give advice to any future CBYX Hopefuls.

First, you'll wait until the application is open. You can sign up on the website for a reminder when it comes out! The application process varies through out the different regions so note that I'm talking about applying through FLAG, the organization for the Southwest.

General Tips

1. Join the hopefuls facebook group. There you'll find out that most of the kids are top notch and high achieving. Don't get discouraged. They will be helpful. (:
2. Know that certain organizations are much more competitive than others. If you're in FLAG region (SW) you have at least a 1 in 3 chance.
3. Know what the program is looking for. I was fortunate enough to attend an application orientation where someone from FLAG told us what they were looking for in winning apps.
• Demonstrate applicant's desire to be a great ambassador for the United States.
• Demonstrate life and academic skills that will be relied upon during exchange.
• Demonstrate the applicant took the time to have their application edited i.e. no stupid spelling or grammar mistakes.

The Application
You should be honest in your essays, but also play up your strengths. For me, the strengths that I emphasized was my appreciation of different cultures and being open to change and challenges. The essay questions can seem difficult or vague at first, but find a way to answer the questions and then bend it so that you can talk about qualities that will make you a fab foreign exchange student. Make sure you address the things that the review committees will probably be looking for. Also, make sure not to make yourself seem like you're going to be using the scholarship as a way to travel all of Europe and get shitfaced because of the drinking age. Obvious no-nos.

Honestly, the application is really straightforward and easy. Make sure you don't leave any spots blank! Also, don't wait until the last minute to get your teacher recommendations. (:

The hardest part after this is all the waiting.
I turned my application in on the first week of February and I heard back after about three weeks (February 27ish). Make sure to keep yourself busy and don't look at your application after you've turned it in. I promise you'll find something you want to change and it will bother you and make you really paranoid.

The Interview
Congratulations if you've made it this far! If it's the same as they did this year, you've already secured an alternate spot for yourself. But if it's not the same as this year, don't worry about it. The interview I think was the easiest part for me. I know it can be intimidating and nerve wracking, but trust me, the more calm you are and the clearer you'll be able to think and impress your interviewers.

There's really no way you can prepare for the interview other than to remind yourself of the qualities that would make you a great exchange student. They're looking not only for kids that will represent the US well, but for kids that will make it through the whole year long exchange.

Dress nicely. I'm not saying go out and rent a tux or buy a super nice dress, just dress business casual. Think of FBLA business attire but down one level. You don't need to wear heels or have pantyhose on. And if you're a boy, you don't need to have a suit on.

At your interview, be the best you you can be. That's so cheesy, but it's true. Be polite and make eye contact. Take a minute before answering questions so you don't end up stuttering and backtracking. (Not that it's bad, I did that a lot, but I think it would have been a lot better if I didn't answer questions so quickly.) At my interview they asked a lot about things I would and wouldn't miss and a lot about homesickness and how I would deal with it. They also asked about things I like to do which made it feel really casual.

Don't be afraid to answer honestly. If you answer a question honestly and it seems like it's something they wouldn't want to hear, solve your problem by adding the solution in your answer.

Also, don't forget to have personality! (:

The Waiting
There are many points in the application process where you'll just be waiting. and waiting. and waiting. The last waiting period was the most excruciating and I tried my hardest to find things to keep my mind off of thinking about CBYX. I kept myself busy with school, sports and extracurriculars.

Then, when you get that last e-mail, you don't have to wait anymore! Yay!