blog

Application Deadline Extended - Programs to Italy (dep. Sep 2012)

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 10:18:16 +1000

The application deadline for our Summer Explorer Programs to Italy (dep. Sep 2012), Semester and Year Programs to Italy (dep Sep 2012) has been extended until 20th April 2012.

2 Aussie's in Denmark Local Paper

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:46:59 +1100

Grace and Holly are currently on exchange in Denmark. Here is a great article in the local newspaper where Grace and Holly are currently living.

An english translation has been included below, click here to download the full article.

Front page:

From Sun in Sydney to Danish Winter Cold

The two girls Grace and Holly from Australia are unanimous in saying that Denmark is a cosy, clean and well organised country. They have both travelled 12,500 kilometres from Sydney to spend a year as exchange students in Denmark.

Page 12:

Grace from Australia attends Klarup School

Picture: Birgit Christensen, who is regional representative for MyEducation, exchange experiences with Grace and Holly.

Article:

Grace, who grew up a couple of hours drive from Sydney, lives with the Møller family in Klarup and attends year 9 at Klarup School. Holly is from Sydney and is generally used to big city living. Even so, she enjoys the more quiet surroundings in Ellidshøj with a family of teachers who teach at Lynghøj Efterskole*. On the Efterskole Holly attends the international class. In this class the common language is English, and Holly contributes positively to the shared experience with her accent.

Different Climate and Culture

Both girls chose to travel to Denmark to partly experience a very different climate and partly to experience a Nordic and very different culture. They are both very content in their choice in spite of the winter snow and cold, which for one of the girls was a new experience. When they left Australia they also left a sunny and warm beach life, which in their home country easily can be over 30C.

The Mention for Food Makes the Girls’ Eyes light up.

Both the girls’ eyes light up while they talk about baking and the delights of the Danish bakeries. Potatoes and brown gravy are amongst the favourites, especially when they include the small sugar-browned potatoes. On the other hand they find it difficult to relate to liver pate with remoulade (red. in Denmark, this like a blended mustard pickle with mayonnaise)

Life at School is Very Different

For both girls, life at school is very different from what they are used to. In Denmark they had to wave goodbye to the familiar school uniform, which they both have been used to. It is actually a bit of a problem that every day has the decision of what is cool and correct to wear at school. It is easier at home where they only have to keep the uniform neat and tidy. With regards to the education, both girls found it surprising to address the teacher by their first name and can talk frank and direct about almost anything. They have had to get used to the free tone, but also appreciate the contribution this makes to a relaxed learning environment. In their opinion it gives the students a better motivation to express their opinion and to participate in verbal presentations of findings and projects.

Danish is a Big Challenge

The Danish language is a big challenge for both girls. They are eager to learn how to also express themselves in Danish. The presence of the may class mates has quickly given them an understanding of the most common words and phases used in everyday live. The big challenge is to actually start using the Danish words. Of course thay have had to learn to say “Rød grød med fløde”** to the amusement of their friends.

The girls ended their meeting with their Danish area representative, Birgit Christensen in Gistrup (a teacher at Klarup School) by expressing that they find it an unusual experience that all girls dress and shower in a large common room. In Australia, everyone have their own booth and don’t really see each other undressed in relation to sports activities.

MyEducation

The exchange organisation MyEducation facilitates exchange every year of students from USA, Australia, New Zealand and European destinations and organise a home in Denmark for them while they attend school. Likewise MyEducation facilitates exchange for Danish students to the same countries. Typically the exchange is the start of large interpersonal experiences where friendships are made across the globe.

It is almost the rule rather than the exception that an exchange is followed up by the host family later visiting in return and in all cases the family get a language improvement from housing an English speaking student for 6 or 12 months.

Students returning from exchange typically return as mature and linguistically well versed young people who have been enriched by the international experience and who will gain advantages from this in their further studies, says Birgit Christensen.

My exchange to Canada - Georgia, New Zealand to Canada

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:24:26 +1100

Below is an essay from Georgia Bryers, an Indigenous Scholarship winner who went to Canada in January 2011.

"As I arrived at the airport on the 26th of January 2011 I looked up at the departure sign and alot of emotions ran though me, excitement, curiousity and nervousness. The goodbye was hard as I waved to my mum and dad realising that I wouldnt see them for over 5 months. I had spent the previous 5 months preparing for this exciting and sad day and I was about to set off to Canada, a country that I had never explored and spending five months with people I had never met!

As I touched down at Toronto International Airport I was welcomed by a city full of snow. It is safe to say that it was a bit of a shock going from a 30 degree summer to a minus 20 degree winter but I immediately loved it! My nerves were going crazy as my jet-lagged self pulled up to my soon-to-be home for the next five months. I was warmly welcomed by my amazing host family which consisted of Craig - Dad, Lori-Lynn - Mum, Taylor - Brother and Moriah - Sister. After sleeping off my jet-lag for two straight days I was shown around a bit of my new hometown Barrie. Soon enough I began school at Bear Creek Secondary School and my first day couldn't have gone any better! I made alot of great friends, had great classes and learnt alot about everyday life in Barrie, Canada. I settled in pretty quickly and the next two months went super fast and I was slowly getting used to being covered in snow as soon as I stepped outside!

At the beginning of May, Stephanie, an Australian exchange student, and I headed off on a 10 hour bus ride down to the the City of New York where we spent the next four days. The trip was amazing and a huge highlight of my whole exchange! We did many cool things such as seeing the World Trade Center, shopping in Soho, going up the Rockfeller Centre and loads of others.
I also attended a camp where all the exchange students in my area joined and went to 'Kandalore Camp' for a week and stayed in cabins and did heaps of activities like canoeing and trekking around the beautiful scenery. The camp was a great way to meet all the other exchange students and learn about their countries and about their exchange.

After five and a half months, after all the trips, school, friends, homesickness, travelling and adventures, my exchange had come to an end. Saying goodbye to my family and friends that I had become so close with over my exchange to Canada was by far, the hardest part. As sad as it was to say goodbye, they all gave me a reason to visit again and I cannot wait until then! Throughout my trip I made many amazing friendships and bonds that ill keep for life. My exchange, was definately the most tough, fun and exciting thing I have ever done and it has given me so much more confidence and hunger for life and travel.

I would like to thank all of the staff at Student Exchange Australia New Zealand, for their hard work and organization, for my amazing scholarship and for making my exchange the most fun, amazing and memorable experience of my life.

Thank you so much,
Georgia Renee Bryers."

See Georgia talk about her experience in Canada in her student video located here.

Federation of Parents and Citizens' Association of New South Wales - Journal Article – Grace Casey

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:32:48 +1100

In July 2011 Grace Casey, 16, was the winner of an Indigenous scholarship fully funded by Student Exchange Australia New Zealand. Valued at AU$10,800, the scholarship is named after Fay Wilmerding, who helped establish the student exchange industry in Australia during a distinguished 30 year career.

Grace comes from the Aboriginal nation of Gumbaynggirr and is extremely active in her local community in Toormina, Coffs Harbour (NSW). Grace beat a competitive field of entries from around Australia and New Zealand to win the award, where she will spend 10 months living in Denmark with a local host family and attending high school in 2012.

Mr Nick Lorentzen, National Director of Student Exchange Australia New Zealand said: “Grace is to be congratulated on this achievement. She was chosen because she is an outstanding Indigenous student who exhibits all the qualities we look for in an exchange student. I know she will benefit enormously from her time on exchange and use that experience to the benefit of her community”.

The award was officially presented by Ms Elizabeth Donnan, the Principal of Toormina High School at the Year 10 School Awards Ceremony on Thursday 8 December.

Grace was a stand-out applicant for the scholarship. She is an active participant in a diverse range of activities both within her school and the local community. She was the Aboriginal student leader in Year 6 and is currently a member of the Schools 10% on Top Club (a group set up to encourage high achieving Aboriginal students). Grace has been involved in Cancer Council’s relay for Life, participates in NAIDOC activities, Indigenous Surf School, Deadly Days and is proud of her Aboriginal heritage.

In addition to participating in Little Athletics, swimming and gymnastics, Grace has trained with Coffs Coast Martial Arts since she was 9 and was the first junior to grade to black belt. As part of the club she has instructed many classes from juniors to seniors and has competed in martial arts competitions from club level through to region, state national and world levels. Grace has also participated in physical culture since she was 9, performed at Sydney Town Hall for National Finals and undertaken music lessons in how to play the flute, piccolo and clarisax.

Born in Armidale Hospital, Grace experienced a challenging start to her life. She was flown to Camperdown Children’s Hospital and while in the neonatal intensive care, she surprised doctors and nurses that she was determined to live and recovered completely. Grace believes it is important to do her best in all things and always give things a go.

Grace is passionate about her indigenous heritage, culture and community. She loves exploring Coffs Harbour, the surf and outdoor activities. Grace also enjoys the closeness of the rainforest and its waterfalls. Grace feels very fortunate to live in a small city, which is located centrally to different cultural events and activities.

When choosing between twenty possible countries, Grace chose to spend her exchange in Denmark because she knows nothing about this country. Grace is very proud of her Irish, Scottish and Aboriginal heritage and her parents have helped her develop a desire to learn from other people about their country and culture. “The exchange experience will allow me to experience a completely different country, a completely new culture and a vastly different location. I will experience a different climate, a different outlook on life and new activities. I will see cultural and heritage aspects of the world not normally available to me.”

Grace cannot wait to tell others about her experience, share photos, and encourage them to do an overseas exchange. It presents an amazing opportunity to become a part of another community, and gain unique insights and experiences into a different culture. “I will be able to share my family and cultural experiences with those I meet and increase the understanding of all those involved. I will also be able to share my experiences and encourage other Aboriginal girls to participate in the exchange program. I look forward to this opportunity and hope to share this with my peers and community when I return.”

Grace has applied to be a part of Nura Gili Aboriginal Winter School at the University of New South Wales. In the future, Grace hopes to study at university in order to become a science teacher, eventually continuing on to become a forensic pathologist. “Whatever I study I feel it will be science related and will show Aboriginal girls they can not only study science and maths but do well at it.”

We congratulate Grace on her achievement, and know that she will be greatly missed by her community during her overseas exchange.

Two full Indigenous scholarships are available every year to eligible Indigenous students from Australia and New Zealand. The next deadline for receipt of applications is 31 March 2012 please visit www.studentexchange.org.au for more details.

Scholarship Winners - December 2011

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:31:57 +1100

Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd has recently advised the following applicants of their success in winning a Student Exchange scholarship.

Congratulations to:

Sara Pearson, who has won a Design scholarship

Georgia Addison, who has won an Indigenous Scholarship
Anna Stanton, who has won an International Affairs Scholarship

Our Language Scholarship winners will be announced shortly.

We congratulate our winners on their applications and essays and look forward to working with them as they prepare for their departure in 2012.

Don’t forget that the next deadline for scholarship applications (and our Early Bird Discount!) is 31st March 2012. You could join Sara, Georgia and Anna as a Student Exchange scholarship winner.

Remember that by submitting your application by 31st March, you automatically receive our Early Bird Discount. Check out our Discounts and Scholarships page for more info.

MEDIA RELEASE - Toormina High School Student to receive an International Indigenous Scholarship

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:33:17 +1100

Grace Casey, a student at Toormina High School, located 8kms south of Coffs Harbour, has become the third recipient of an Indigenous Scholarship that will see her live with a Danish family and attend high school in Denmark for ten months from January 2012.

The award was presented by Ms Elizabeth Donnan, the Principal of Toormina High School at the School Awards Ceremony at approx 9:30am (AEST) on Thursday 8 December.

Grace beat a competitive field of entries from around Australia and New Zealand to scoop the award. The scholarship is valued at AU$10,800 and fully funded by Student Exchange Australia New Zealand.

Mr Nick Lorentzen, National Director of Student Exchange Australia New Zealand said: “Grace is to be congratulated on this achievement. She was chosen because she is an outstanding Indigenous student who exhibits all the qualities we look for in an exchange student. I know she will benefit enormously from her time on exchange and use that experience to the benefit of her community”.

Grace said: “The exchange experience will allow me to experience a completely different country, a completely new culture and a vastly different location. I will experience a different climate, a different outlook on life and new activities. I will see cultural and heritage aspects of the world not normally available to me.”

Grace comes from the nation of Gumbaynggirr and is extremely active in her school community. She was the Aboriginal student leader in Year 6 and is currently a member of the Schools 10% on Top Club (a group set up to encourage high achieving Aboriginal students). Grace has been involved in Cancer Council’s relay for Life, participates in NAIDOC activities, Indigenous Surf School, Deadly Days and is proud of her Aboriginal heritage.

These scholarships are named after Fay Wilmerding who helped establish the student exchange industry in Australia during a distinguished 30 year career. Two full Indigenous scholarships are available every year to eligible Indigenous students from Australia and New Zealand. The next deadline for receipt of applications is 31 March 2012.

For further information on our scholarship please click here.

FAKE EMAILS USING THE NAME OF STUDENT EXCHANGE

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:17:39 +1000

IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION THAT FAKE EMAILS FROM @WORLDJOB-CAREER.COM ARE CIRCULATING OFFERING PAID LOCAL COORDINATOR POSITIONS FOR STUDENT EXCHANGE. THESE ARE FAKE EMAILS EMANATING FROM DUBIOUS SOURCES AND SHOULD BE DELETED.

STUDENT EXCHANGE AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND LTD HAS NO ASSOCATION WITH WORLDJOB-CAREER.COM AND THEY DO NO ACT ON OUR BEHALF.

WE DO HAVE LOCAL COORDINATOR POSITIONS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE BUT THEY ARE UNPAID, VOLUNTARY POSITIONS.

Host Family Photo and Quote Comp Winners

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:55:47 +1000

We are delighted to announce the winners of our Host Family Photo Competition for 2011.

The competition was open to families who are either currently hosting an overseas exchange student or who have recently said Bon Voyage to their extended family member. The standard of the photos was extremely high and a big thank you must go out to everyone who participated.

The Top 3 are as follows:

First Place

First Place is awarded to the Vallance Family from North Queensland for their fantastic family photo submitted with their overseas exchange student, Alice from France.

The Vallance Family submitted a number of high quality pictures but the one we selected as the winner was ‘Alice and her host family experiencing Eungella National Park.’

The photos submitted show the warmth of the relationships that were developed during Alice’s stay in Australia and the activities that are a part of Australian culture.

Other photos submitted by the Vallance family that made it into the Top 10 include:

Alice and her host family siblings showing Alice a North Queensland Coal Mine.
Alice and host family siblings learning all about the Australian farming lifestyle.
Alice and host family siblings in Eungella National Park.

Second Place

Second place goes to the Roberts Family from Victoria for their photo “Kirstine catching lambs for Ken to mark.”

The Roberts Family submitted some beautiful country and farm life photos with their exchange student from Denmark, Kristine.

This is what Sharon (host mum) said about her hosting experience “Hosting Kirstine has brought our family closer together. We’re doing things we used to do when our kids were little, like boiling the billy, having a BBQ and baking apples up the paddock. She’s helped us remember how to have fun when we’re working and take time out for adventures.”

Third Place

Third Place is awarded to the Miller Family from Western Australia for their photo titled 'the girls occupy themselves via my pantry while at home."

This is what Tanya (host mum) said about their hosting experience, "Our exchange student Sarah (France), my daughter and her best friend - the three were inseparable during her stay and we travelled extensively with the three of them."

The Roberts family submitted some great, fun photos taken around Western Australia, which show the close friendships that was developed during Sarah’s stay from France.

Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who participated.

Click here to view all the entries.

Language Scholarship News

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 10:21:13 +1000

The following article talks about one of our language scholarship winners.

Click here to view the full article.

Language fluency duo's congruency

29 Jul 11 @ 08:00am by Bridie Byrne

Scholarship winners Dylan Walton will travel to France and Jack Branagan to Germany.

TWO Blackburn High School students will be circling the globe next year due to their gift of the gab when it comes to languages.

Year 10 students Dylan Walton and Jack Branagan have won prestigious language scholarships to travel and study overseas.

Community liaison manager Margie Lanyon said in an increasingly global world, being able to speak another language was an invaluable skill.

“Dylan Walton was the only Victorian student to be awarded the World Education Program Scholarship for students studying French,“she said.

“This considerable achievement is a testament to the quality of the language program at Blackburn High School and to Dylan’s initiative and commitment to study.”

Ms Lanyon said the scholarship would allow him to pursue his French studies at a school in Belgium.

Year 10 co-ordinator Jarrod Main said Jack was awarded an Australian and New Zealand Student Exchange scholarship to Germany.

He said as part of the selection process, Jack had to write an essay on “Why study German?”, and the quality of this, plus his outstanding personal qualities, made him stand out from his peers.

Don’t forget that the next deadline for scholarship applications (and our Early Bird Discount!) is 31st October 2011 for departure mid 2012. You could join Jack as a Student Exchange scholarship winner.

Remember that by submitting your application by 31st October, you automatically receive our Early Bird Discount. Check out our Discounts and Scholarships page for more info.

Scholarship Winners - July 2011

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:48:02 +1000

Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd has recently advised the following applicants of their success in winning a Student Exchange scholarship.

Congratulations to:

Grace Casey, who has won an Indigenous Scholarship
Penny Stewart, who has won the Rawdon Dalrymple AO International Affairs Scholarship
Heather Lee-Kiogaard, who has won a Language Scholarship
Jack Branagan, who has won a Language Scholarship
Rhys Schofield, who has won a Language Scholarship

We congratulate our winners on their applications and essays and look forward to working with them as they prepare for their departure in2012 .

Don’t forget that the next deadline for scholarship applications (and our Early Bird Discount!) is 31st October 2011 for departure mid 2012. You could join Grace, Penny, Heather, Jack and Rhys as a Student Exchange scholarship winner.

Remember that by submitting your application by 31st October, you automatically receive our Early Bird Discount. Check out our Discounts and Scholarships page for more info.

2011 Photo Competition Runners Up

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 13:15:40 +1000

Top 10 (not listed in order)

Claudia Conley:

Photo 2 & 3: I was the Mascot for my Athletics club. It was the funniest day. The weather was about 32degrees I and I was dressed head to toe in a massive giant rabbit costumes, sweating like a pig. I actually nearly fainted at the end of the day from sunstroke! Our club came second in the competition and as I went up to get the trophy I was told that I had to do a victory dance on the podium. MC Hammer's "Can't Touch This" played over the speakers and I whipped out the running man and the worm - while still in costume!

Photo 6: This is a photo of my sister and my Australian friend Estelle who lives in Nice. We went to London together with my mum and this photo was taken outside the national theatre in London next to the London eye. I had the best time in London. It was so great to see my family; they really lifted me up and gave me lots of courage and love for the next 5 months :)

Photo 8: At Le tour de France. It has been my dream to watch the Tour de France in real life since I've been young. I watch it every year on the telly with my family and so it was insane to watch it in the flesh.

Photo 9: Taken just after a 15km fun run, 7km downhill and then 8km uphill. The man wearing the Aussie t-shirt is a French man who lived in Australia for a year, he is a friend of my family's and I caught up with him last week when I went to Lille to watch my Australian friends compete in the World Youth Athletics Championships.

June Deng

Photo 1: On my last day, I took this photo as a memorial. During 10 months, I was fully emerged in the country's history, culture and people. I love every second of it/

Photo 2: With my host dad and host sister on one of our short trips.

Photo 5: During these 10 months, I met a lot lovely people who welcomed me with generous hospitality. They are who make this world beautiful. With one of my best friends, Clarisse and her grandmother.

Verity Hubert

Photo 5: Trying on masks for carnival. Something I’ve learnt is that this exchange is the best way to get a clean slate and try being who you are – no pre-dispositions. Only then can you discover who you want to be. The exchange experience makes you face the real you – gives you a new perception of who you really want to be.

Photo 7: For me one of my biggest issues was comparing myself to other exchange students. And for me, there was another person who had done exceedingly well with the language, when I found myself struggling, I really doubted myself. I learnt I needed to find my own shoes and be comfortable with myself; otherwise I wouldn’t be able to enjoy myself.

Amy Austin

Photo 1: Seino - JUMPU! The greatest thing about being in Japan is getting to play with the adorable kids on my host family's beautiful farm. It's a dream come true!

Cecile Kampden

Photo 1: Asakadai, Japan: About 3 weeks into my stay in Japan, I still really hadn't sorted out my feelings for the exchange. Then barely two days after the 'Ohanami' (flower viewing) festival, when the Sakura trees had started to shed their pale pink flowers, did this happen. As dense as snow, the leaves were swept by a strong wind and it rained with petals. This was truly a shifting point in my exchange, going from uncertainty to stunned by the simple beauty of trees.

Photo 2: Imperial Gardens, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan: I think by the time I stepped on the plane heading back to Sydney, I had taken over 7000 photos during my 10 month stay in Japan. This picture was an unlikely favourite of mine simply for the cliché old vs. new theme I thought it presented. I really do admire the way the Japanese seem to keep a very controlled balance between the past and the future, never really placing one above the other. They're a very old fashioned people and yet very on top of everything new and modern, just like the beautiful Imperial Gardens right in the Centre of Tokyo.

Photo 3: Kinshicho, Tokyo, Japan: Living with my 3rd host family was an interesting experience. Every afternoon when walking home from the train station, I would pass the same group of kids playing in the mist-sprayers outside the mall under my apartment building. Cheeky little things always giggled and ran away when I got close to them. I finally managed to get a shot of them while playing. I regret not learning their names.

Photo 9: Kamakura. Japan: Buying well-wishes and charms from the local temple is a typical practice in Japan, especially around public holidays and festivals. Funnily enough, you don't necessarily get a good charm when you buy one; chances are you might get a really bad one. If so, the Japanese people hang them on strings tied between poles or in trees for the wind to carry away the bad luck.

Abe Leslie

Photo 1: This is me for a big French family dinner with a big block of gruyere. One thing I will definitely miss will be the cheese, in my host family we would eat a block like that a night!!

Photo 2: With my French sister Juliette (left) and cousin, Eloïse (right) making a feast for a big French Family reunion. The food is amazing; I am 7 kilos heavier to prove it!! But I regret nothing; this has been the best experience of my life.

Photo 3: My French host sister Juliette and I have a baguette sword fight, just the average family dinner in France!!

Kasumi Borczyk

Photo 1: Here's a photo of my host sister and I 'hanging out' in the city center. I really loved moments like these when i was able to experience life as a local in such a beautiful city!

Photo 2: My host family drove me around the streets of Paris at night, it was amazing!

Photo 4: My host family took me to the famous village of Saint Emilion. It was amazing to be able to visit such old monuments and learn about the countries culture.

Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who participated. Click here to view the top 3 winning photo entries.

2011 Photo Competition Winners

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 13:08:37 +1000

We are delighted to announce the winners of our Photo Competition for 2011.

The competition was open to students who are currently on exchange and also those who have recently returned from the exchange programs.

A big thank you must go out to everyone who participated.

The Top 3 are as follows:

First Place

First Place is awarded to Audrey Moore. Audrey submitted a number of high quality pictures but the one which was selected as the best was ‘Making apple cider was my kind of cultural experience!’

She explained: “My exchange in France made me appreciate communication. It's only when you are unable to express your ideas in a language that you appreciate English. France made me appreciate what I know, and as I learnt to speak more fluently, it helped me conquer my shyness here in Australia as I realised if I was capable to make friends in French I could do it in English. As I plan to study Music at university next year, I now have the confidence in myself that I will be able to make the move with complete ease, and am excited to have the chance and capability to study French within my degree. I know in the future I will be presented with many opportunities to study abroad, and having had the experience in France and taking so much from it (my speaking skills and cultural knowledge both growing significantly) I plan to explore the possibilities in music in France. My exchange is helping me to achieve my goals, which is just awesome!”

Second Place

Second place goes to Kimberly Spragg for her photo ‘Here is a photo of me posing as an Australian snowman’.

Third Place

Third Place is awarded to Shivaune Bubner for her photo titled 'My host sister and I standing in front of Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge in Florence."

"My host family took me there for a surprise during the Christmas holidays, which was an amazing experience."

The Top 3 photos as well as several others that were entered in the competition will appear in our next brochure and on our website over the coming months.

Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who participated.

Click here to view the top 10 photo entries.

Fuel Surcharge Announcement

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:22:29 +1000

Fuel Surcharge: Due to recently announced fuel surcharges by major airlines including Qantas and British Airways, we regret that a A$150 fuel surcharge will apply to all applications received after today’s date. We reserve the right to increase the fuel surcharge if, at the time of making flight bookings, airlines are charging a higher amount. If no surcharge or a lesser amount is being levied by airlines at that time we will pass on any saving to applicants.

Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd.
21st April 2011

MEDIA RELEASE - INDIGENOUS SCHOLARSHIP

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 02:19:14 +1100

ST MARY’S COLLEGE STUDENT TO RECEIVE
INTERNATIONAL INDIGENEOUS SCHOLARSHIP
AT SCHOOL AWARDS CEREMONY

Emma-Lee Foy, a student at St Mary’s College in Broome, has become the first recipient of an Indigenous Scholarship that will see her live with a Dutch family and attend high school in The Netherlands for ten months from January 2011.

The award will be presented by Mr Tony Treacy, the Principal of St Mary’s College at the School Awards Ceremony at 8:30am (WST) on Wednesday 24 November.

Emma-Lee beat a competitive field of entries from around Australia and New Zealand to scoop the award. The scholarship is valued at $10,800 and fully funded by Student Exchange Australia New Zealand.

Mr Nick Lorentzen, National Director of Student Exchange Australia New Zealand said: “Emma-Lee is to be congratulated on this achievement. She was chosen because she is an outstanding Indigenous student who exhibits all the qualities we look for in an exchange student. I know she will benefit enormously from her time on exchange and use that experience to the benefit of her community”.

Emma-Lee said: “I have always wanted to leave Australia and to discover a different place .To receive the opportunity to go to Europe would be one of the best things that could ever happen to me, it would be an eye opener and just an amazing experience. I would love to see a different side of life, other than sunny old Broome and to tell them about what my home town is like and hopefully share stories of my culture. I have lived in Broome my whole life and love it.”

Emma-Lee comes from the tribe of Warlman Yawuru and is the 6th generation of her family to live in Broome. She hopes to become a teacher in her community and perhaps specialise in languages.

These scholarships are named after Fay Wilmerding who helped establish the student exchange industry in Australia during a distinguished 30 year career. Three full Indigenous scholarships are available every year to eligible Indigenous students from Australia and New Zealand. The next deadline for receipt of applications is 30 April 2011.

Jennifer Cambridge, Community Liaison and Publicity Officer of St Mary’s College Broome can be reached on (08) 9194 9500. Jennifer Cambridge, Emma-Lee Foy and Tony Treacy are available for photo opportunities, interview and comment in Broome on Wednesday 24 November.

For further information please contact Belinda Grieve or Cara Spencer on (02) 9997 0700.

MEDIA RELEASE - TE AROHA COLLEGE STUDENT TO RECEIVE INTERNATIONAL INDIGENEOUS SCHOLARSHIP

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:54:27 +1100

TE AROHA COLLEGE STUDENT TO RECEIVE INTERNATIONAL INDIGENEOUS SCHOLARSHIP

Georgia Bryers, a student at Te Aroha College in New Zealand, has become the second recipient of an Indigenous Scholarship that will see her live with a Canadian family and attend high school in Canada for 5 months from January 2011.

The award will be presented by Mr Robin Spencer, The Acting Principal of Te Aroha College, Stanley Avenue at 1:00pm on Monday 22 November.

Georgia comes from the tribe of Whakapapa and beat a competitive field of entries from around Australia and New Zealand to scoop the award. The scholarship is valued at NZ$12,500 and fully funded by Student Exchange Australia New Zealand.

Mr Nick Lorentzen, National Director of Student Exchange Australia New Zealand said: “Georgia is to be congratulated on this achievement. She was chosen because she is an outstanding Indigenous student who exhibits all the qualities we look for in an exchange student. I know she will benefit enormously from her time on exchange and use that experience to the benefit of her community”.

Georgia said: “I see the exchange as a stepping stone to the rest of my life because it will help me later on by teaching me independence and the importance of family and friends. I will use the exchange to grow and mature as a human being and I intend to immerse myself totally in Canadian life, embrace traditions and discover the true meaning of living life in an inter-cultural community, which I can then compare to our inter-cultural community here in New Zealand. During the exchange, I plan to make friends and learn lessons that I'll have for the rest of my life. I intend to express my culture, share my way of life and Te Reo with others.”

These scholarships are named after Fay Wilmerding who helped establish the student exchange industry in Australia during a distinguished 30 year career. Three full Indigenous scholarships are available every year to eligible Indigenous students from Australia and New Zealand.

The next deadline for receipt of applications is 30 April 2011. You could join Georgia as a Student Exchange scholarship winner. Check out our Discounts and Scholarships page for more info.

Click here to read the article published in the Piako Post.

2010 Photo Competition Winners

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 23:55:54 +1000

We are delighted to announce the winners of our Photo Competition for 2010. The competition was open to students who are currently on exchange and also those who have recently returned from the exchange programs.

The standard of the photos was particularly high this year and a big thank you must go out to everyone who participated.

The Top 3 are as follows:

First Place

First Place is awarded to Tahlia Geiger. Tahlia submitted a number of high quality pics but the one which was selected as the best was ‘Cinque Terra, Italy’. She explained: “Cinque Terra, Italy, with friends Rose and Mariska. In March my school went on an exchange and of course I went too! We went to La Spezia, Italy. This photo was taken at one of the beautiful villages of the Cinque Terra. We walked part of the way and visited 4 out of 5 villages.”

Second Place

Second place goes to Claire Robson for her photo ‘DSCF1530’. This photo is of “My three youngest host siblings with me, each trying on a different pair of my shoes.”

Third Place

Third Place is Awarded to Laura Condon for her photo titled 'tobogganing '. Laura explained "Kate and I tobogganing during our first few days in Canada.. I somehow ended up going backwards down that hill."

The Top 3 photos as well as several others that were entered in the comp, will appear on our website and in newsletters over the coming months.

Congratulations to the winners and to everyone who participated.

Top 10

Tahlia Geiger: Oeral, terschelling, in front of the world cup arena with my host sister Grieteke.

Claire Robson: Me, sliding down our driveway on a plastic sled. It was so much fun!

Emily Coulson: Me (far left) and my host siblings at the Colosseum, Rome.

Jessica Sandra Wilson: Experience. Italy. In relation to the impact my exchange has had, the few months I spent overseas were, without doubt,the best two months of my life. Everything from living with my host family, going to school and sightseeing of a Sunday caused my language skills to skyrocket and for my problem solving and social skills to be greatly built upon. To anyone thinking about becoming and exchange student, go ahead! Although in the first few moments when you arrive at the airport it will feel like the scariest thing you will ever do, it will undoubtedly be the best.

Jessica Yuen: Let it snow - Making the most of a snow day with my host sister Roxane at the 'jardin publique' (public gardens). This was after we made snow angels and had an epic "bataille de neige" (snowball fight) which I of course lost! I was so sad when we had to go back home to warm up because I couldn't feel my fingers anymore.

Laura Condon: Even the trees need to be kept warm in the winter.

Rachael Rollbusch: We´re living in a fairytale, wishing it was all a dream - This castle blew my breath away with it´s beauty, age and serentiy. Never have I been in a place where I felt so at peace with the world, and this was an experience I got to share with my new "second" family. (My sisters and I are the girls at the bottom of the photo, Mercedes, Paula and I.

Scholarship Winners - July 2010

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 02:15:35 +1000

Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd has recently advised the following applicants of their success in winning a Student Exchange scholarship.

Congratulations to:

Amy Austin from The Christian Outreach College in Brisbane, QLD, who has won the Rawdon Dalrymple AO International Affairs Scholarship and will participate in our long program to Japan
Emma-lee Foy from St Mary’s College in Broome, WA, who has won an Indigenous Scholarship and will participate in our long program to The Netherlands
Georgia Bryers from Te Aroha College in New Zealand, who has won an Indigenous Scholarship and will participate in our long program to Canada
Josh Sollitt from Mt Maunganui College in New Zealand, who has won a Language Scholarship and will participate in our long program to Brazil
Jay Bassett from MacKillop Catholic College in Bussleton, WA, who as won Language Scholarship and will participate in our long program to Germany
William Barker from Telopea Park School in Canberra, ACT, who has won a Language Scholarship and will participate in our long program to France
Archie Simmons from Trinity Grammar School, VIC, who has won a Language Scholarship and will participate in our semester program to France
Audrey Blyde from Hunters Hill High School, NSW, who has won a Language Scholarship and will participate in our semester program to Japan
Anita Perng from Brisbane State High School, NSW, who has won a Language Scholarship and will participate in our long program to Japan.

We congratulate our winners on their applications and essays and look forward to working with them as they prepare for their departure in 2011.

Don’t forget that the next deadline for scholarship applications (and our Early Bird Discount!) is 31st October 2010 for departure mid 2011. You could join Amy, Emma-lee, Georgia, Josh, Jay, William, Archie, Audrey and Anita as a Student Exchange scholarship winner.

Remember that by submitting your application by 31st October, you automatically receive our Early Bird Discount. Check out our Discounts and Scholarships page for more info.

Studying or Teaching Year 10-12 Japanese? - Online Speech Contest

Thu, 20 May 2010 22:47:45 +1000

Entries are now being accepted for the 2010 JSA Online Speech Contest, which provides high-school students of Japanese in years 10,11 or 12 with the chance to win an 8GB i-Pod Touch.

Japanese speech contests are typically held in capital cities only, therefore excluding students living in rural and regional Australia. The JSA Online Speech Contest utilises modern-day technologies to overcome the barriers of distance and create more equal opportunities for all Australian students of Japanese.

Students must create an original speech in Japanese, digitally record it and upload it to our website. From these online video entries, five finalists will be short-listed to participate in a Skype interview, consisting of a Japanese and an English component. All finalists will receive a certificate.

The winner will also be nominated to represent Australia in the JSA Exchange Program and the International Final of the JSA Speech Contest, held in Tokyo in late July!!! JSA Japan will provide the winner with return airfare, accommodation, meals and sightseeing expenses for the duration of the program!

Please note that applications for the contest close on Friday the 4th of June, 2010.

For more information visit JSA's website http://www.jsa-australia.org

Host Family Lunch in QLD

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:44:39 +1000

This photo was taken in January 2010 at Maroochy River, Sunshine Coast, at a host family / international student picnic which I organised during the last week of the school holidays.

This picture is of Jana with her host parents Gary and Julie Walker from Imbil. Four German students and their host families had a relaxing social time together, including the opportunity for some of us to enjoy an exhilarating fun experience jet skiing on Maroochy River.

My role as International Co-ordinator and Community Co-ordinator for Jana and three other German students this Semester has been very rewarding. The students settled in easily to their studies and homestay life and I commend them on their fine attributes and their involvement in many co-curricular activities at their host schools.

A special thank you to wonderful host families for your generosity of spirit in supporting the exchange program, and the kindness and affection you extend to your students. Each student has their own special memories of the time spent with their host families which they will treasure for many years to come.

Clare Markby
International Co-ordinator
Matthew Flinders Anglican College Ltd, Qld, Australia

Please let us know if you are interested in becoming a community coordinator or hosting an overseas exchange student.

Danish Exchange Student Wins Australia Day Award

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:50:00 +1100

Mads Kruse is a Danish exchange student currently in Australia on a 10 month program. He is staying with the McClelland family from Tumbarumba, a town near the Snowy Mountains in Southern NSW. Mads recently won an Australia Day special achievement award for his work in the community. He has written to us to recount his experience.

Hey Student Exchange Australia!

It all started with me and my host Garry McClelland going on a little bush walk when I first got to Australia, on that little walk we got talking about this big walk called The Hume and Hovell walking track. My host mentioned that you could even get this special Hume and Hovell t-shirt, reckless as you are I said well why don’t we just do it, but on the single condition of that he bought me that t-shirt when we completed.

So we had a look in the calendar and decided to do the walk over several weekends, I got myself a good pair of hiking boots, and suddenly before we knew of it, we were ready to do the first walk.

It all was a little bit of an adventure for me, we started in freezing cold rain, to the other extreme of the boiling hot Australian heat- along with thousands of flies sending this Danish fella mad!

Even though it was quite a big effort we got to walk throw some amazing country: over mountains through firn gullies and across waterfalls, I also saw a big variety of the Australian wildlife in particularly hundreds of kangaroos! Brumbies etc.

Garry and I decided before the walk to make the event in to a fundraiser towards a new roof for the local scout hall, a thousand dollars was raised by selling our own personalized stubby holders (how more Aussie does it get?)

The community got very excited about the raising so Garry and I were, formally given an Australia day special achievement award for our efforts.

Receiving the award was very special, I felt very proud of myself and much honored that the community of Tumbarumba had nominated me, which only shows that they really respect me. And appreciate the efforts I do to becoming a part of the community. And besides how much more Aussie can you get with an Australia day award.

I have now been in Australia for nearly 8 months, and I love it here. During the time I have participated in Aussie rules(even won the grand final!), singing with the NSW high school state choir in the opera house, done the hume and hovel walk, went on the outback tour with other exchange students from all over the world, and turned out to become the best two weeks ever!

Been at the Gold Coast, Australian open, even participated as a Debut partner!

Hope that my story was interesting.

Best regards from Mads and the McClelland family.