Joining a Choir for the First Time as an Exchange Student

Before coming to the U.S., I never imagined myself being part of a choir. Singing was something I enjoyed casually, but I never thought about performing in an organized group. However, being an exchange student is all about trying new things, so when the opportunity to join the choir came up, I decided to give it a shot.

Walking into my first rehearsal, I had no idea what to expect. Everyone around me seemed to know what they were doing, while I was still trying to figure out vocal parts and warm-ups. The concept of harmonizing with different voice sections was completely new to me. In the beginning, I struggled to match my pitch and follow along with sheet music, but my choir mates were incredibly supportive.

One thing I quickly learned is that choir is about more than just singing. It’s about teamwork, patience, and learning to blend with others to create a unified sound. Every small adjustment—whether in tone, breathing, or timing—makes a difference. I also love how music has the power to bring people together. Even though I’m still learning, I already feel a sense of belonging in the group.

Joining the choir has been one of the most unexpected yet rewarding experiences of my exchange year. It’s a reminder that stepping out of my comfort zone can lead to amazing opportunities. I may not have started as the best singer, but I’m improving, and more importantly, I’m enjoying every moment of it.