As I am on my way to the airport to catch my 7 am flight out of Melbourne, I cannot believe how quickly this experience has gone by. These past six weeks have been some of the most eventful, fun, and life-changing times. I am so incredibly happy to have taken this opportunity and gotten the chance to meet
so many wonderful people from the city of Ballarat.

My second weekend in Australia was spent at the beach. We spent some time in an area called Anglesea where I got to meet my exchange’s grandparents and see where Anna would be working during the summer. We also went to a small beach in an area called Geelong, where we then drove onto the famous Great Ocean Road!

On my third weekend, I found myself in Sydney. Sydney was one the best parts of my trip. We walked along the Sydney Harbour Bridge where we could see the beautiful opera house. We then explored the opera house and had the perfect view of the Sydney Harbour. On our second day, we went to the top of the Sydney Tower, walking onto glass floors outside the edge of the tower. I got to see the entire city in an hour, which was incredible.

Melbourne was next. Most of our time was spent shopping, though we also went to the Melbourne Star, which is a giant Ferris wheel with views of the entire city. And we spent some time at the pier.

My final weekend was spent at Halls Gap, where I got the chance to go on a beautiful hike and see an amazing waterfall.

After that, unfortunately I had to start packing. Leaving Ballarat Grammar School was pretty hard. I had made such amazing friends and I am hoping to get the chance to come back and visit all of them. As I arrive at the airport, and I say goodbye to my exchange family, it still hasn’t sunk in that this experience is already over, though I do get the chance to see my exchange in three weeks when she comes to Montreal. I am so happy I got the chance to take part in such an amazing experience. I will have these memories forever.

– Sophie Tellier ’18 Exchange Student at Ballarat Grammar School