I. Read the text below. For questions choose the correct answer.
A Year Abroad
17-year-old Aniuta Skliar talks about leaving her home town behind for new adventures.
‘My year in Edinburg is the best thing I've ever done', says Aniuta. Aniuta is one of thousands of teenagers
worldwide who have taken part in an international exchange programme. She returned to Odessa from Scotland in
August and is keen that plenty of people know about the opportunity the programme gives.
‘It all starts with an application form', says Aniuta. She had to prove that she had good grades and get
recommendations from her teachers. She also had to attend a weekend session organised by See the World, the
company that arranged her year abroad. Team leaders from organisation met and interviewed her, to make sure
she was sensible enough to deal with the challenges of staying in another country. A month after the application
was completed, Aniuta received the letter she'd been waiting for. She was given a place with a host family in
Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, for 12 months.
‘What did I do to prepare for my trip? Well, I've been studying English for several years, but I didn't know much
about Scotland, so I started reading up about it. Then I made lists of what I wanted to see, and then what to take
with me, and finally I packed and said goodbye to my friends and family. Despite everything I did, nothing fully
prepared me for my experience. It was incredibly difficult to walk into a new school where you don't know anyone,
and my English wasn't the best, either.'
So why would anyone put themselves through these difficulties? Well, the rewards have been enormous. Aniuta
is now fluent in English – she's even managed to pick up a slight Scottish accent! ‘I've made so many great friends.
I'd been told that Scottish people are very friendly, and it's true – everyone wanted to find out about my life in
Ukraine. My host family was wonderful. They took me all round the UK, and skiing trip with my school was probably
the most incredible holiday of my life.'
Since Aniuta came home, her family and teachers have noticed that she has become more independent and
confident. She was always a good kid, but now she seems ready to take on any challenge,' her father remarks.
What's the biggest lesson from her year abroad? Aniuta doesn't pause: 'Even though there are small differences,
people are generally the same wherever you go. I feel confident that I can make friends anywhere now.'
1. Why was Aniuta interviewed for this article?
1.She wanted to talk about Scottish teenagers coming to Ukraine.
2.She could give some useful information about Edinburgh.
3.She wanted to share information about the opportunities offered by the exchange programme.
4.She was helping to arrange for Ukrainian teenagers to visit Scotland.
2. Why did Aniuta attend a weekend session?
1.It was a good way to find out more about See the World.
2.She had to show documents from her school.
3.It was a chance to meet her host family for the first time.
4.See the World wanted to check whether she would manage living abroad.