An Exchange Brings New Perspectives
By Chloe Lawson ’20
Three months ago, in early October, I left the comfort of home (The Armidale School in New South Wales, Australia) and flew halfway across the world to Canada. To my surprise the temperatures when I arrived were warmer than when I was leaving home. It was daunting travelling more than 20 hours to the other side of the world to live with a family I had never met, and barley spoken to, for 12 weeks. When I arrived at the home of my exchange partner, Enrica Geloso, it was Thanksgiving weekend. Along with the Geloso family, I travelled to Montreal where I met many aunts, uncles and cousins and enjoyed my first Thanksgiving in true Canadian style. While in Montreal I went apple picking, looked around old Montreal and tried poutine for the first time.
After an amazing weekend in the beautiful city of Montreal, I had my first day of school at Lakefield College School where I was welcomed warmly by the students not only in my grade, but across many grades. LCS is a school that is very similar to my school in Australia, but with some very big differences - namely the lake and the woods on the campus. Through the Outdoor Education class I was in, I was able to go canoeing on the waterfront and participate in many activities in the woods, many times with snow crunching under my feet. My school in Australia is also a boarding school, and while I did not get the opportunity to try boarding at LCS, I loved meeting people from many different countries and from around Canada. In the afternoons I enjoyed walks into Lakefield for Timmy’s when I wasn’t busy enjoying one of the many co-curriculars such as Improv class on Mondays, basketball during the fall athletic term and culinary arts for the past few of weeks.
My weekends have been filled with trips around Peterborough, to Toronto, or simply enjoying spending time with my exchange family. In Peterborough, I spent time at the mall with friends from school, visiting the Lift Locks and a walk around Riverview Park and Zoo. During a day trip to Toronto, I visited the Ripley’s Aquarium and had dinner at 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower after looking at Toronto from the observation deck. During another trip to Toronto I was lucky enough to see a NBA game where the Toronto Raptors played, and won, against the Indiana Pacers. At the game I was lucky enough to see musical star Drake as he watched the game, cheering on the Raptors.
During November Mid-Term Break, the Geloso family took me to Ottawa for the weekend where I saw Parliament Hill on Remembrance Day, Byward Market (where I tried a Nutella BeaverTail for the first time) and experienced many other beautiful places the city had to offer. I also had the opportunity to see one of my friends from Australia who was also on exchange in Canada and stayed a few night with her and her exchange family.
During the recent quiet weekend, the Geloso’s took me see one of Canada’s greatest wonders - Niagara Falls. While in the Niagara Falls region I not only saw the Falls and experienced everything the Falls had to offer such as going behind and ziplining near the Falls, I managed to get the chance to explore Clifton Hills and its many wonders such as the Maze of Mirrors, Guinness World Records Museum and many others.
As my exchange draws to a close I realise how much this experience has helped me become independent and more confident. Although I am excited to go home and sleep in my own bed, I find myself brought to tears at the thought of leaving all the amazing friends I have made. Canada is an amazing country and although very similar to Australia it has its own unique quirks that I am going to miss. I encourage anyone and everyone to go on exchange and if they are looking for a culture not to different to Canada, Australia is an amazing place to visit. Everyone who has ever been on exchange will tell you it is the most amazing experience and is a great opportunity.
I would like to thank Mrs. Barnier and Mr. Bird for organising my exchange and making sure I was taken care of with everything I could need, to my parents for supporting me, my friends that I have made in Canada, you made me feel a part of your school, and for my family for welcoming me into their home including me in family activities and celebrations. You have all helped to shape my exchange to be an experience I will treasure for the rest of my life.
School Information
4391 County Road 29, Lakefield Ontario K0L 2H0 705.652.3324 admissions@lcs.on.ca
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Lakefield College School is a private, coeducational boarding and day school for students in grades 9 through 12, located in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
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