An Exchange Down Under

On January 15, 2015 my family and I travelled to Toronto Pearson International Airport to greet my Australian exchange partner, Conor Heydon. He would be staying with us in our home for 10 weeks. I was first nervous if we would get along, but on the car ride home we began to talk and it was clear that we would become great friends.

 

As Conor’s experience in Canada was coming to an end, my journey was just beginning. On March 20, I embarked on a marvellous journey to the land down under. Leaving the loving arms of my family, I travelled through the gates of the Toronto airport with my sad-to-leave exchange partner, Conor, and Katie Little, an LCS friend that would be at my side throughout my time in Australia. From the Toronto airport, we flew to Hong Kong then from Hong Kong to Perth, Western Australia.

 

I didn’t completely grasp the idea that I was going to spend the next 11 weeks of my life on the other side of the world, until I finally stepped foot onto Australian soil. I arrived at their home on the vineyard and was immediately settled in. The vineyard, formerly known as Heydon Estate is located in the world-renowned Margaret River wine region. Here I learned about the nuances of viticulture and winemaking. The Heydon family (my exchange family) were very welcoming. They took very good care of me and made me feel right at home. The vineyard became my home whilst living in Australia.

 

Within a few days of arriving in Australia, Conor and I went on a 10-day camping trip called Outward Bound, a programme that is organized through the school. This program took place in one of Western Australia’s most southern points. For the first couple of days, we hiked along the white sands of the Western Australian coast but soon we moved into the heart of the bush. We bush bashed through dense shrubs and trees for about 9 kms each day, encountering only a few snakes, but many kangaroos and other wildlife. We also rafted up river for about a total of 15 kms while looking at breath taking scenario along the way.

 

During my fantastic stay in Australia, I attended Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School. This school is set on a beautiful 33-hectare campus. Everyone, including both students and staff who were very welcoming and for my first few weeks, were kind enough to guide me to my classes. I chose to wear the LCS school uniform while at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School. Not only did I get to learn about the Australian culture, but I also got the opportunity to learn about students’ cultures from other schools around the world that were also on exchange. I became friends with a person from Switzerland and a person from India both of whom were also on exchange at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School.

 

Whether it was golfing while kangaroos were lying across the fairway, going on a zip line that stretched across the family vineyard, or going on a ten day camping trip in Australia’s outback, it was sure to be fun. I’ve played cricket in the backyard, I’ve watched the sunset over the ocean, and I’ve even seen the best surfers in the world compete against each other in the Margaret River Pro.

 

Although the 20-hour plane ride was excruciatingly long, it definitely was not a deal breaker and was well worth it. This exchange program has been the best thing I have ever done in my life. I have learned so much about myself and have made many great friends. I definitely recommend this incredible experience to anyone and everyone.