As my time in Adelaide, Australia comes to an end, I reflect back on everything this trip has taught me. It taught me to be independent, how to step further out of my comfort zone than I could ever imagine and, most importantly, it taught me how to be a better version of myself. I learnt about new people, cultures and traditions. Over these past six weeks, I became immersed in Australian culture, although Bronwyn’s (my exchange) parents are American.
Let’s make a few things clear. First of all, you will NOT see kangaroos and koalas roaming the streets (unfortunately). Secondly, not all Aussies surf. Some do, but unless they tell you about it, don’t assume! The word “thongs” will most likely be used often and it doesn’t mean what you think it means… It means flip-flops! (Kind of confusing, I know.) There is, apparently, a HUGE difference between chips and hot chips (I’m still not quite sure what the difference is but I know it’s there.) Australians do not spend every minute of every day idolizing Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter, and lastly, not once did I hear anyone say anything about putting shrimps on the barbie!
During my time here, I experienced a lot of different things. I had the opportunity to visit Sydney and see famous sites like the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. I had heard so much about both those places and it was amazing to see them in person. School in Adelaide is very different from LCC. Not only is it completely foreign territory but everything’s outside! You catch some sun just walking from one class to another. I was lucky enough to participate in Westminster’s swimming carnival. They have houses like we do at LCC and students in each house swam different races and did relays. It was nice and interesting to see a somewhat familiar activity where houses were competing against each other all the way across the world.
It took awhile for me to adjust to all the changes but that’s okay. As hard as it was to adjust to things like the 15-hour time change and making new friends, going on an international exchange has been a worthwhile experience and has changed me for the better. I was able to form bonds that will hopefully last a lifetime and I hope I’ll be able to visit my Aussie friends soon! – Sophie Levy ’19, Student Exchange at Westminster School
The past two weeks in Sydney have been amazing. I’ve already gotten to see so much, make new friends and experience new cultures. Because of Sydney’s history of immigration, it is a very multicultural city, with tons of different cuisines. I’ve already tried a lot of Aussie foods like Milo and Vegemite, as well as international foods. One night we went to a Korean BBQ restaurant where we got to cook the meat on a grill at our table. We went to an authentic milk bar after school where we got chips (fries) with chicken salt, which is not what it sounds like.
I have now been in Melbourne for one month and I can’t believe how fast time is flying 
After twenty-two hours of flying and layovers, I finally got to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport on Sunday, February 26. I got my bag in less than 15 minutes and met my exchange, Sarah, at the arrivals gate. When we stepped outside, it was very humid and I was thankful for the shorts I put on before landing. I slept for about ten hours on the plane so by the time I landed, I wasn’t tired, and I had enough energy to walk around.
The past few weeks have been fun, doing things I never expected to do in a million years and challenging myself to push my comfort zone and make new friends.
