Still not sure if this is the program for you? Why not hear from some students who are currently overseas on exchange? Rebecca Phillips - Denmark Caitlin Clothier - Brazil Sarah Bambrick - Brazil Billie Billett - Finland Stephanie Crocker - Belgium Lauren Dannenberg - Belgium Elle Blizzard - France

Rebecca Phillips - Denmark

1. Name? What do they call you overseas?
   Rebecca Phillips, but here in Denmark I get called Bex (a 'c' at the end of a word is hard for a Dane to pronounce).
2. Home in Australia?
   I live in Mt. Compass, about one hour from Adelaide, in South Australia.
3. Where are you on exchange? Did you need to learn a new language? How is it going ?
   I am on exchange in Denmark, in Copenhagen and I have been here for almost 7 months.
4. Did you need to learn a new language? How is it going?
   I have been learning Danish and speak it well enough now to have conversations and live day-to-day but still struggle a little in class, but I am OK because my subjects are more art based eg music, art, drama, etc. Learning Danish is not really essential to living here as everyone speaks excellent English, but I have found it easier to make Danish friends by making the effort. Rotary in Denmark sends you to a language school so there is really is no excuse. If you don't want to cope with learning a new language, there are countries like Canada the US that speak English anyway.
5. What has been the biggest cultural difference you have noticed? How did you deal with it?
   There are two big cultural differences I had to adjust to initially. Language aside, the Danes are actually very reserved people and this can make settling in hard, as you need to be the person who walks up to them and says hello, which is hard especially at school. The other big difference I have found here is the level of responsibility and independence a teenager is expected to have. Whilst I am now relishing that freedom, it was really tough the first 4 months as I didn't know who to ask or what to do in some situations. This is where your Rotary counsellor or maybe a teacher at school comes in, as you can ask them anything and they will do their best to try and solve the problem.
6. How about school?
   School has been great, although I hate the 8am start! My class has been amazingly warm and welcoming. They are a class that study English and music at an advanced level, so communication hasn't been an issue (they have been my best teachers) and having a common interest in music has been great. I have some very close friends amongst them and definitely plan to come back and visit. Teachers and classes aren't as impossible as you might think, depending on the school, you will be expected to do as much as you can, but all teachers know the first 4 months is a write-off, as you can't understand classes, text books or handouts. I found that I could use class time to work on my Danish lessons, which helped a lot.
7. What are the benefits of school of doing an exchange through Rotary?
   I think living in a place like Australia, which is geographically isolated, it is important to learn and experience other cultures, and exchange is an amazing way to do so. Also, it is a program that parents can feel comfortable with, as they are not running it to make a profit and they really do have the student's best interests at heart. I know my parents would not have been comfortable with any other exchange program, but with Rotary they know I am being looked after. Another benefit of Rotary is the support network you are provided with. If (touch wood) something goes wrong, Rotary will be there to help you fix it and you always have people there to talk to about any issues you have. Also, because the program is run by volunteers, it is not as expensive as other programs, making it more accessible for students. The preparation they provide before you leave is great and when you are here they really look after you. Being a Rotary Exchange Student is like being part of an exclusive and special club and you will always find people who have been on one too and have so much in common, not only in experience but mind set, maturity and values.
8. Have you had many opportunities to travel while on exchange? Where have you been?
   In May, Rotary Denmark took the exchange students on a 'Euro-tour' (it was optional, as it cost extra) and for 18 days we traveled on a bus through Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Venice, Verona, Avignon, Monaco, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. We didn't stay long in any place, but it was enough to have a taste of what is really out there. The trip was amazing, I saw some beautiful and famous places and met the most amazing people, many of whom I will definitely keep in contact with and possibly visit in the years to come.
9. What is your favourite food from your host country? What food do you miss from Australia?
   My favourite Danish food…Definitely Rugbrod (said Rue-Brohl with a frog in the throat sound instead of an h) which is the dark brown bread they have here. It's heavy (a loaf could be used as a missile I swear) and sliced very thin and you eat it with every kind of topping you can imagine (I like it toasted with a little garlic butter). Also, in summer when you have ice creams, they put this paste called 'guff' on top, which is a bit like a pavlova before it is cooked and is very sweet. I don't really miss many Australian foods, although I must admit I have a jar of vegemite for emergencies! As you begin to immerse yourself in another place and culture you find you don't miss what you have left behind as much as you did. Ironically, the less you think about and contact home, the less you miss it.
10. Have you met exchange students from other countries?
    Yes. There are many exchange students in Denmark and I have met all of them at a weekend organized by Rotary. I have also been on Euro-tour with a third of them and see about 20 of them on a regular basis, for language school (my generation) and socially (my oldies). Exchange students in the Northern hemisphere exchange from August to July, so there is a group of exchange students leaving and arriving every 6 months. For the first 6 months of your exchange, you are a 'newbie' and have 'oldies' (people who have been there for 6 months already), who will be a big help when you have problems or are trying to figure out the public transport system. They are also great to talk to when you have problems or homesickness, because they have been through it already and can help you stop it. I have just made the change from newbie to oldie, and will be meeting the new group this weekend. I am looking forward to giving them the support I got from my oldies (this is where the business cards Rotary give you come in handy).
11. What has been the most difficult part of the exchange? How did you cope?
    Homesickness has definitely been the hardest part. Homesickness is illogical and irrational and can be triggered by the silliest thing. When it does happen, don't call home as they can't help and tit will just worry and upset your parents more than you know. Call another exchange student (eg oldie) or a Danish friend and get out of the house and do something. Activity takes your mind off it and is the only cure I found. Thinking about home, looking at photos, eating vegemite, talking online and calling parents are a BIG no when you are homesick.
12. Describe the highlight of your exchange.
    I have two highlights, one slightly more exciting than the other. Learning Danish has been hard for me so realising 5 months in that I could finally understand what was going on around me was great, although it got a little weird when I started dreaming in Danish! (I am not kidding you will see what I mean) It is an amazing feeling to realize you have mastered (somewhat) another language. Also on Euro-tour, when I made it to the top of the Eiffel Tower, standing up there with some great friends I have made this year made me realize that I can cope with anything (I am mortally afraid of heights). That is really the biggest and best thing an exchange will give you, confidence to try anything, talk to anyone and believe that you can achieve whatever you put your mind to. It really is the best realisation you can have.
    

Caitlin Clothier - Brazil

1. Name? What do they call you overseas?
   Caitlin Clothier. Here they have a little trouble pronouncing it. So I most just get called 'Catch'. Also just 'Australiana' (Australian in Portuguese.
2. Home in Australia?
   Tailem Bend
3. Where are you on Exchange?
   Brazil
4. Did you need to learn a language? How is it going?
   Portuguese. I have now been here just over six months and I can pretty much understand everything. Of course speaking and writing is a lot harder than understanding and reading, but I get around just fine. It just hit me recently in the last month that I can speak another language. I am sure there are not too many other 18 year old Aussie kids who can speak another language fluently. I feel so proud!!!
5. What has been the biggest cultural difference you have noticed? How did you deal with it?
   I have noticed that the Brazilian culture doesn't encourage much individualism. The girls thought it was so different that I had 'short' hair, and didn't wear HUGH high heels from the age of 13. But I did think it was funny when I went to school one day with my bright green sneakers, they kind of freaked out and didn't even know you could buy running shoes of that colour. As I am a very individual person, and always stand up for what I believe I haven't changed my style, or personality to fit in here.
6. How about school?
   I don't mind school. It is very easy compared to the Australian school system. The school day starts at 8am and finishes at midday so I attend every day - as it is only four hours out of my day and a good chance to better my Portuguese.
7. What are the benefits of school or doing an exchange through Rotary?
   I am so grateful to be doing an exchange through Rotary. Just wearing my blazer is a conversation starter. I think it also helps that previous Rotary exchange students have given a very good name for us, so as soon as people know I am a Rotary kid (especially in Brazil) I get all kind of invitations to functions, peoples houses and even soccer games.
8. Have you had many opportunities to travel while on exchange? Where have you been?
   I have been very lucky. I have already been to the Amazon and later in the year I am going on a 1 month trip around the north east of Brazil. I have also been fortunate enough to travel to Sao Paulo with my first host family and also Foz do Iguaçu twice (the biggest waterfalls in the world) once with my family and once with my Rotary district.
9. What is your favourite food from your host country? What food do you miss from Australia?
   I love all of the food here in Brazil. They have amazing barbeques, with the tastiest meat that I have ever eaten. I miss the simple things about Australian food, my mums cooking, my cooking, 2 minute noodles and of course, vegemite and Tim Tams.
10. Have you met exchange students from other countries?
    Yes. They are my best friends here. Although I am the only exchange student in my city, I try to go to a bigger city just down the road, which has 8 other exchangers, as often as I can.
11. What has been the most difficult part of the exchange? How did you cope?
    Of course I miss my friends, family and life style back at home, also the freedom that I had. But so far the hardest part of my exchange was moving families. I am now at my second family and it has taken a lot of getting used to. They say that every family is different which I have learnt now is VERY true. I am finally settling in but in just over a month I move to my third and final family. Although that was the most difficult part of my exchange so far, it was still a very minor problem which shows what a smooth exchange I have had.
12. Describe the highlight of your exchange?
    I really do not have a high light. The whole year has been fantastic. You would expect me to say my trip to the Amazon. But the truth is just experiencing another school life, seeing the extremely different state of living and seeing a horse and cart on the street have all been amazing experiences as well.

Sarah Bambrick - Brazil

1. Name? What do they call you overseas?
   Sarah Bambrick. They pronounce Sarah like Sar-da or I get called the Australian.
2. Home in Australia?
   Waikerie, South Australia.
3. Where are you on exchange?
   Sao Paulo, Brazil
4. Did you need to learn a language? How is it going?
   Portuguese. My first host family could speak English so I never really spoke much Portuguese in my first month but after that they said to me this is the last English thing I am saying to you, so since then I have had to speak it and it has become much easier. I am so grateful that they made me! Now after six months my Portuguese is pretty good.
5. What has been the biggest cultural difference you have noticed? How did you deal with it?
   I don't think there has been just one major cultural difference there are a lot of little cultural differences, with people, with food and with religion, etc. The easiest way to deal with any cultural difference is just to embrace it!
6. How about school?
   My school starts at 7.20am (so early) and finishes at 12.30pm so school times are different to Australia. Everybody is really nice and helps me a lot. I am not expected to do exams or essays so school is more of a social thing for me, which I like.
7. What are the benefits of school or doing an exchange through Rotary?
   School is probably where you will meet most of your friends from your country. It's a good social aspect of your exchange. I believe that Rotary is definitely the best exchange organisation, there are always people that will help you if in need.
8. Have you had many opportunities to travel while on exchange? Where have you been?
   My first host family traveled most public holidays so I went to a few places with them. Also Rotary offers other trips around Brazil. I went for a week to the Amazon. I also did a month trip in July along the North-East coast of Brazil.
9. What is your favourite food from your host country? What food do you miss from Australia?
   I love Pao e Queijo, it's a cheesy bread thing and it's amazing. I also love beans and rice, well I kind of have to because Brazilians eat beans and rice every day! I miss Farmers Union Iced coffee, Cadbury chocolate and a big Aussie steak.
10. Have you met exchange students from other countries?
    I have met a lot of exchangers, on my Rotary trips around Brazil and also my District meets once a month and we do activities around Sao Paulo with the other exchangers.
11. What has been the most difficult part of the exchange? How did you cope?
    I lost a lot of independence here, host families want to know where you are, what you are doing and who you are with, the exact time you will be home and you can't drive. You just have to deal with it because it is their duty of care to ask questions and no driving is Rotary rules.
12. Describe the highlight of your exchange.
    There have been many awesome times on my exchange. I have met so many people from all over the world, and made so many new friends, but I think the real highlight would be the Rotary trips.
    

Billie Billett - Finland

1. Name? What do they call you overseas?
   Billie Billett, the Finnish version of Billie.
2. Home in Australia?
   Waikerie, South Australia.
3. Where are you on Exchange?
   Laihia, Finland.
4. Did you need to learn a language? How is it going?
   I do…..Finnish, it is one of the hardest languages and I am still learning it. It is a very difficult language to learn.
5. What has been the biggest cultural difference you have noticed? How did you deal with it?
   The Finnish people are very reserved and will not go out of their way to speak to you. This meant that I had to change and be the outgoing one and introduce myself to new people and take the first steps in meeting new people. If you go and talk to someone randomly on the street they automatically think that you want something from them, it's just their culture.
6. How about school?
   Well the lessons are in Finnish so there really isn't much you can do except go to school and lessons. Going to school is an essential way of making friends.
7. What are the benefits of school or doing an exchange through Rotary?
   The benefits of school are meeting people your age and making more friends.
8. Have you had many opportunities to travel while on exchange? Where have you been?
   I have been to Rome with my school on a history trip. I have been on a Euro-tour that took me to France, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Austria, Monaco, Italy and the Netherlands. There was also a trip to Russia but I was unable to go on that as I was in Rome.
9. What is your favourite food from your host country? What food do you miss from Australia?
   Pulla and pie. They make really good pulla which is like a cinnamon scroll and Finland has a lot of berries, so blackberry pie and blueberry pie are always the best.
10. Have you met exchange students from other countries?
    Yes, we have a tradition to meet the other exchange students when they arrive in Finland. We also spend time with them on Euro-tour and Lapland tour.
11. What has been the most difficult part of the exchange? How did you cope?
    The language and the people. The language is very hard and I am still trying to learn it after 7 months. There is always that problem of the language barrier when meeting new people. The Finnish people are really nice and trusting people, it's just a matter of getting to know them and you have to take the initiative of asking if they want to go to lunch, etc, etc.
12. Describe the highlight of your exchange.
    Definitely Euro-tour, it was amazing to see all the other countries and making friendships.
    

Stephanie Crocker - Belgium

1. Name?
   Stephanie Crocker. The Australian, the Mexicans are called sombrero though.
2. Home in Australia
   Adelaide, South Australia.
3. Where are you on exchange?
   Belgium, I live in a village called Somme-Leuze and go to school in a town called Marche-en-Famenne. I am not very close to anything, by train to Brussels it is 1hr45 and to Luxembourg is 1hr15.
4. Did you need to learn a language? How is it going?
   Yes, French, it's difficult but getting there.
5. What has been the biggest cultural difference you have noticed? How did you deal with it?
   People aren't as friendly in Belgium and aren't as laid back. All my host brothers and sisters ever do is study.
6. How about school?
   School is boring, in Belgium all core subjects (French, maths, science geography, history, religion and gym) are compulsory and there are only language choices at my school and art (which is art/drama).
7. What are the benefits of school or doing an exchange through Rotary?
   You learn the language by talking to the other students and attempting the work. Here in Belgium in District 1630 you have to do at least 2 exams of your choice. I did history and religion and passed both.
8. Have you had many opportunities to travel while on exchange? Where have you been?
   There is no big Rotary organized European trip in Belgium because there are so many exchange students here but there are a range of trips. I went to Italy (Rome, Naples, Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Island of Capri, Pompeii, Pisa and Florence), Berlin, Dresdon and Prague with Rotary. In October I am going to London with them again. There was also Amsterdam, Greece, Normandy and Paris in October. I also went skiing in France with my village.
9. What is you favourite food from your host country? What food do you miss from Australia?
   Belgium is famous for chocolate, waffles, French fries and beer. I like the chocolate and waffles the most. The French fries taste pretty much the same as in Australia they are just deep fried twice. I miss milo, caramello koalas, Haigh's chocolate and mum's cooking the most.
10. Have you met exchange students from other countries?
    Yes, in Belgium there are students from NZ, Taiwan, Japan, India, Turkey, Russia, Austria, USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Columbia, Bolivia, etc. In my District there are Rotary events on one Wednesday per month, occasionally Saturday events for long distances and there are National days with all the Districts.
11. What has been the most difficult part of the exchange? How did you cope?
    School because my host parents make me go to French lessons three times a week so it has been hard to make friends as these lessons are away from school. My first host mum didn't really like me either.
12. Describe the highlight of your exchange.
    The traveling with Rotary because you see so much and there is so much excitement on the bus. As we were driving through Belgium we were dancing in the isles of the bus to Spanish music with people driving alongside just watching us.
    

Lauren Dannenberg - Belgium

1. Name? What do they call you overseas?
   Lauren Dannenberg, aka, ma petite Australienee.
2. Home in Australia?
   Strathalbyn, South Australia
3. Where are you on exchange?
   Charleroi, Belgium
4. Did you need to learn a language? How is it going?
   French. Learning French was really difficult at the beginning, I just felt like there was so much to remember and none of it made sense. I found over the months, the more I spoke with my friends from school on msn and with my family at the table as to how my day was, my vocabulary grew and I gained a better understanding of past, present and future tense. I still make plenty of mistakes and there are many things I don't know how to say but in general I am doing alright.
5. What has been the biggest cultural difference you have noticed? How did you deal with it?
   The biggest cultural difference I have noticed is the social life. Teens organize outings here because they need to. They have to know where they are going to be and what they are going to be doing as they have to catch buses at certain times or trains. Not like in Aus, I just jumped in my car when I was bored and went to friend's houses or the beach or what ever I felt like. Let's just say I am getting better at understanding the public transport system here.
6. How about school?
   Being at school is a major point of the exchange.
7. What are the benefits of school or doing an exchange through Rotary?
   If I hadn't been at school I wouldn't have learnt half as much French as I have learnt and all the bad words you won't learn at home! Sometimes the classes with the little kids can be a drag but they are the ones that don't speak English and they are also the ones that will ask the most questions…. thus forcing you to learn the language.
8. Have you had many opportunities to travel while on exchange? Where have you been?
   I have done a bit of traveling while I have been here, but Belgium doesn't do the Euro-tour any more. Instead, with Rotary I went to Italy, so much fun to travel the other exchange students, it's a completely different type of trip. I have been to Amsterdam with my host brother for a week. I spent a day in a small town in England with my host mum and her year nine English class. And I have just got back from spending a month on the south coast of France with my host family.
9. What is your favourite food from your host country? What food do you miss from Australia?
   While in France I missed the fries from Belgium, almost all the food here is super yummy. The specialty here I would say is what they call 'americainne'. It's raw minced beef with mayo! Actually tastes good once you get the courage to try it. I have vegemite here with me as I used to eat it every morning in Aus but I never eat it here…I prefer ham and cheese or chocolate croissants!
10. Have you met exchange students from other countries?
    My exchange is in Belgium but I now have friends from all over the world, some of my closest friends are from Mexico, Columbia, California, Arizona and Brazil.
11. What has been the most difficult part of the exchange? Hoe did you cope?
    The most difficult part of the exchange for me was that nobody knew me, at first it felt like my life in Australia had been erased. Once I got better at speaking French, people asked me more questions about my life in Aus and my school friends here added my friends from Aus on msn and that way they don't use me to improve their English and they get to know the people I care about back in Aus.
12. Describe the highlight of your exchange.
    I am seven months through my exchange and I'm sure I won't realize all that I have done until after I get back. It's not easy to highlight just one point of my exchange, I'm sure it's the little things that I consider normal that have made my exchange what it is.
    

Elle Blizzard - France

1. Name?
   Elle Blizzard. Elle, I haven't been given a nickname, but it gets pronounced with a strange sound.
2. Home in Australia?
   Murray Bridge, South Australia.
3. Where are you on exchange?
   I'm in France, Normandy, Granville/Donville Les Bains.
4. Did you have to learn a language? How is it going?
   I have had to learn French and well let's just say it's difficult. To learn a language by yourself is challenging but you eventually pick it up, it also teaches you patience and to handle frustration. It's the hardest thing about exchange in a foreign country I think, but you must remember to be proud of what you achieve.
5. What has been the biggest cultural difference you have noticed? How did you deal with it?
   The biggest cultural difference I have noticed would be the way most people act, I feel as though it's much more formal over here and when it comes to the young, I find them to be less welcoming than most Australian teenagers. I am still dealing with it you just have to find people you feel most comfortable around.
6. How about school?
   School in France is very boring, due to me not understanding anything, it's also much stricter and the relationships between students and teachers are very different. I also find the teaching methods are not interesting. I now know I prefer the Australian schooling system, but it's been a great experience.
7. What are the benefits of school or doing an exchange through Rotary?
   I think the benefits are learning the differences between the schooling systems and also meeting people your own age and having the chance to study different subjects you may not have a chance to in Australia.
8. Have you had many opportunities to travel while on exchange? Where have you been?
   I have had lots of opportunities to travel, it's been amazing. I have travelled most of France and to Spain, England, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and into Monaco.
9. What is your favourite food from your host country? What foods do you miss from Australia?
   I don't have a favourite food but I know I'll miss the cheeses from France, but that is about it. I don't miss anything from Australia. I'm enjoying the different things while I'm here because I know I'll be back to the Australian food.
10. Have you met exchange students from other countries?
    I have met hundreds of exchange students from all around the world and the time you spend with the other exchange students learning about their culture becomes some of the best times during the year. You also build very strong friendships with them because you are all experiencing the same thing.
11. What has been the most difficult part of the exchange? How did you cope?
    The most difficult part of this year for me has been school and the language. I have found it very difficult find friends at school and not speaking much French makes it a lot more difficult. I have put lots of effort in to speaking to people but many students at my school are not real welcoming and so this has made it more difficult to learn French, but I will eventually get through and you just have to stay strong and remember it's your experience not theirs so just enjoy it as much as you can.
12. Describe the highlight of your exchange.
    The highlight of my exchange has been the travelling. I never could have imagined I would travel to so many different countries within six months, it's been amazing and the best time of my life also meeting some great people from all around the world. I have made some very good friends… but overall the fact that you are living in an unknown country without any of your normal surroundings alone is something that makes you proud. You become a lot stronger and mature as a person and learn to cope with different personalities and experiences alone! You must be proud of everything you do in your exchange year because it takes a lot of courage just to make the decision to leave your home for one year alone!