Consejos Para Afsers

I wrote this when I was asked to give some advice to new exchange students that are going to Iowa this year and after writing it I realized it can probably help a lot of people aroundhere. Just some small pieces of advice from a former exchange student.

If you come from a warm place, and you're staying in a cold place, you're gonna have a bad time. Bring warmclothes if you have them. If not, buy them as soon as you can. You're not gonna regret it, trust me.
Bring stuff that you think you'll need for your hobby. The smaller, the better causeyou probably will be doing something else most of the time. You may find new hobbies during you year.
If you do some sort of sport, first check if there's a place in the city you'll beliving where you can do it regularly. If there isn't one, I'd recommend not taking the things necessary for it with you because they'll only be a waste of space. You may lose conditionbut your sport will be there when you go  back.
Take mostly stuff you are at least 90% sure you'll be needing. Don't take stuff like soap and shampoo because you can easily get thatthere and it will only be taking up space you could use for more important things.
Have all your papers like passport and visa ready and never lose them once you arrive.
Get a camera.As good as a diary can be, an image is worth around 800 words (devaluation :/).
I think the best advice I can give is: Be respectful to everyone and thankful for everything. People willlike you more that way. Try adjusting to and knowing your new family as best as you can because if you do, they'll truly become your family. Make friends and memories you can keep forthe rest of your life not just for your year. And, the most important thing I can tell you, NEVER take ANYTHING for granted.

Have fun and enjoy your year as much as you can! :)