A Visit from Oz

 

When I found out over a year ago I had the opportunity to set out on exchange to Canada, I was “over the moon” excited. For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be part of the Round Square exchange program. Many months later, I found myself saying goodbye to my family and friends for the first time in my life and flying twenty gruelling hours, across the world to Lakefield College School in Canada. I did not quite comprehend what a challenge it was going to be, until I arrived at LCS on October 12, 2015 and was welcomed into Upper Colebrook house. After finally arriving, it dawned on me what an experience I was about to undertake. The first thing I noticed was the difference in accents and expressions, for example I say rockmelon and in Canada it is called cantaloupe.

 

I was blown away on my first day of school by the beautiful campus and unusual sight of boys throughout the college. My school in Australia (New England Girls’ School) is a private all-girls day and boarding school. I live in New South Wales on the Eastern Side of Australia. Lakefield College School was every bit as beautiful as I had imagined. The grounds are full of magnificent mature trees and charismatic buildings. The first few weeks went by and I was apart of the basketball team, met people from all around the world and settled into the Lakefield student life. The students here at LCS are from all around the world, which was an experience in itself. This differs from my home school where it is predominately enrolled with Australian students. Adapting to different cultures and people’s backgrounds was compelling and a challenge. I loved Upper, my home away from home whilst on exchange. The girls were super friendly and the Head of House, St John and assistant Head of House Paige made me feel right at home. The highlight of my trip initially, was my trip to Washington, a stand out excursion. I visited many monumental places and did some shopping and exciting sight-seeing. I went with Denhem Cowhan (also an Australian exchange student) to Rebecca Mello’s (a student at LCS) home which was also a big highlight. The Mello family welcomed me into their home and I can’t thank them enough for their kind and warm hospitality. From having my first ice-skating experience, needless to say it is more difficult than it appears, to trying eel for the first time, seeing Toronto from the top of the CN Tower and trying Canadian waffles, going to the Toronto Christmas Fair and having my first ride on a Ferris wheel, to riding on the subway, what an action packed three days we had. I’ve come to learn that Canada is a diverse nation who love their ice hockey and maple syrup.

 

Staying in the boarding house was an unknown experience, as I am a day girl at NEGS. From sharing a room, having to be certain places at definite times, attending chapel four times a week, eating different and strange foods, differing time tables as well as lunch and dinner times, having training for sports up to four to five times a week was all extremely educational. The cocurricular choices at LCS are endless and the brisk walk to the town of Lakefield is both convenient and enjoyable. Being apart of the basketball team for the first five weeks of my exchange was a wonderful chance, I met new people and got to explore parts of Canada, including weekly trips to other school’s in Toronto. At NEGS I play netball, so playing a new sport while on exchange was a must! Giving my chapel speech in front of the whole school was frightening but I felt content that I accomplished it. Students and staff enjoyed hearing interesting facts about Australia in my speech for example, if you have ever wondered how the Aussies got their accents it is due to our forefathers regularly getting drunk together and through their frequent interactions, unknowingly added an alcoholic slur to our nation’s speech. So it's not surprising that European settlers in Australia drank more alcohol per capita than any other society in history. 

 

The main emotion I feel about my exchange is what an achievement it has been to be away from home and my family for so long on the other side of world and not know anyone initially. My advice for other students who are considering going on exchange would be to go for it. My decision to go on exchange was the biggest and most educational one I have ever made. I have grown as a person and now have an acquired gratitude for everything I know and have in Australia, including my family and friends, Aussie humour, my mum’s cooking, familiarity and much much more. 

 

The initial weeks of my exchange went by slowly, but now entering into my final week here at Lakefield, I feel my time has gone by very quickly. I am excited to be going home, but feel saddened that my experience here is coming to an end. The biggest obstacle I have overcome whilst being on exchange, has been adapting to the different culture of Lakefield and the vibes of Canada. Exchange is truly a life changing experience. When I return home to Australia, I will be more centred and know clearly what I do and do not want in life. This exchange experience at LCS has greatly contributed to my understanding of myself. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has shared this wonderful experience with me.