Last spring, I was fortunate to be chosen to participate in an exchange study program. In my application letter, I was careful to 21 how much I wanted to see France; evidently, my excitement really came through in my words. Once I 22 that I was going, all I could think about was the fun of foreign travel and making all sorts of new and 23 friends. While travelling was inspiring and meeting people was 24 , nothing about my term in France was what I 25 .
The moment I arrived in Paris, I was 26 by a nice French couple who would become my host parents. My entire experience was joyous and exciting 27 I received some shocking news from my program coordinator: there had been a death in my host parents’ extended family. They had to travel outside France for several weeks. That afternoon, I had to 28 out of one family’s house into another. The exchange coordinator told me I’d have a
29 this time and asked whether I could share a bedroom with an English speaker. To avoid the temptation to
30 my native language, I asked not to be 31 with an English-speaking roommate. When I got to my new room, I 32 myself to my new roommate Paolo, a Brazilian the same age as I, whom I was surprised to find playing one of my favorite CDS! In just a few hours, we knew we’d be good friends for the rest of the 33 .
I left France with many 34 , so when people asked me what my favorite part of the trip was, they are always 35 to hear me talk about my Brazilian friend Paolo and scores of weekdays in class, weeknights on the town, and weekends 36 France we enjoyed together. I love how people 37 seem so different, but end up being so
38 . The most valuable lesson I gained from studying in France wasn’t just to respect the French people 39 to respect all people, for your next best friend could be just a continent away. I would recommend an exchange program to anyone who wants to experience foreign cultures and gain meaningful 40 .
21.A discuss B. express C. announce D. argue
22.A approved B. knew C. warned D. denied
23.A stubborn B. anxious C. universal D. interesting
24.A .boring B. upsetting C. exiting D. promising
25.A .expected B. liked C. doubted D. feared
26.A. sponsored B. witnessed C. greeted D. supported
27.A. until B. when C. since D. while
28. A. move B. travel C. walk D. rush
29. A. housekeeper B. leader C. roommate D. colleague
30. A .learn B. appreciate C. speak D. master
31. A .combined B. fitted C. involved D. placed
32. A .added B. introduced C. devoted D. adapted
33. A .term B. week C. month D. vacation
34. A .presents B. suitcase C. stories D. dreams
35. A .surprised B. disturbed C. embarrassed D. connected
36. A .studying B. exploring C. describing D. investigating
37. A .need B. shall C. must D. can
38. A .generous B. independent C. similar D. distant
39. A .and B. but C. or D. so
40. A. instructions B. friendships C. facts D. data