18-year-old Vittoria from Italy has made a dream come true, travelling overseas as an exchange student all the way to the New England.
Stepping outside her usual city of Turin, Vittoria has spent the last three-months calling Tenterfield in the New England home, and learning spiders and snakes aren’t around every corner.
Participating in the World Education (WEP) student exchange program, through a not-for-profit and charity student exchange organisation, Vittoria says this experience has been an opportunity of a lifetime, stepping into something completely new.
“Its very different from the city that I live in, but its good,” said Vittoria.
“The people are very nice, and the school is good, but different. Back home there is a big focus on academic and study, study, study- here there are more relaxed, I prefer this school.”
“I chose Australia as I had a friend who came here for exchange, and she said it was good.”
And she is certainly making the most of her time and exploring the country, ticking of Melbourne and Tasmania one month, and venturing to the Sunshine Coast of Queensland with her host family the next.
“Tasmania has been my favourite so far; I loved the animals.” said Vittoria.
However, they there are still many adventures closer to home being ticked of the bucket list, including hiking Bald Rock and chasing waterfalls.
Vittoria’s host mum Claire says she brings energy and excitement into their home as they get to join her on this journey.
“We’ve always had young people living with us and now our kids have left home, its like, well, we need some young energy.” said Claire.
“We’re doing the school run again after 20 years or something, but that’s a bit of fun and it’s a good excuse to go and see places that we love.”
The program runs for six months, providing students to take part in two terms of schooling, however, building friendship and memories to hold forever.
Tenterfield High’s Year 11 advisor and visual arts teacher Glen Caisley says the program provides benefits to all involved.
“It is a good valuable experience for the international student to integrates them with the Australian way of life, and they get to travel and see Australia but it’s a really good experience for other students to interact with someone from another culture as well,” said Glen.
“I think it’s just a valuable experience that any student should undertake if they’ve got the opportunity. and for families to board these students it becomes really valuable, especially if they’ve got children as well, they get to interact with their children.”
“Vittoria has been a wonderful student; she’s blended in really well with other students in my year group and we look forward to the rest of our time with her.”
Considering trying something new, stepping outside your comfort zone and taking your study abroad? Vittoria says go.
“I think that it’s very good experience for yourself.”
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