GOING overseas at any age can be a challenge, however, Danish student Anne-Sofie Ostenfeld Olsen is taking it all in her stride.
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Anne-Sofie is taking part in the Armidale Rotary AM exchange program.
“I’ve always wanted to travel,” the 16-year-old said.
“The Rotary Youth Exchange Program seemed like the best one and I just decided to go for it because I would get to experience a different culture.” Anne-Sofie will be spending the next year at New England Girls’ School, studying and acquainting herself with the local area.
There are currently more than 100 exchange students living in Armidale, many of whom are undergraduates on exchange through The University of New England’s Study Abroad program.
Schools such as PLC Armidale also offer the opportunity for youths to swap homes and schools for a set period as a way of fostering international relationships and furthering young opportunities.
But exchange programs also good for our city, according to Armidale Rotary AM president Lorraine Coffey.
“Education is really important, and this is a chance to learn about our culture,” she said.
“It encourages global under-standing and peacemaking. It has been going for 60 years and has proved to be a great tool.”
Exchange students on the Rotary program received a “full and rounded experience”, Ms Coffey said.
“The students are looked after and housed by Rotarians,” she said.
“They move from family to family every three to four months and they get lots of different experiences.”
The fun for exchange students doesn’t just end there, with the opportunity to also mix with other young people on exchange.
“There are about 20 to 30 exchange students in the Armidale [Rotary] district, so they are not just experiencing Australian culture but also other countries,” Ms Coffey said.
“They get together during the 12 months they are here and also go on a four-week, rock-to-reef safari.
“They go to Uluru and then the Great Barrier Reef, and then they finish up in Taree.”
Armidale AM Rotary publicity officer Mutuota Kigotho has it on good authority that the program is worthwhile.
His daughter went on the exchange program last year.
“Charlene went to Norway last year and she had absolutely loved it, she had a great time,” he said. Anyone interested in hosting an international student, or for more information, visit rotaryexchange.org.au
