Kenya Exchange Provides New Perspectives on Daily Life

Posted on February 15, 2010 by admin

One week has passed and I still do not feel any different about my love for this extraordinary place. As you all know, I have been on exchange at Brookhouse for the past couple weeks. This has been the first time for me to go elsewhere and live on my own. At home, my mother did almost all the housework and I was a rather dependent kid. In Canada, I did not have to do laundry, or even daily necessities; such as cleaning my room. From this exchange I have learned to be thoughtful and frugal. Also, everyone around me comes from a different background, yet I do not feel out of place. It is not the color or values held by a person that separates one from another, it is simply the willingness to open up your mind to a different lifestyle. I feel like I have the responsibility to bring this mindset back home. I will help around as much as possible, and inspire my friends to do the same. This has been an unforgettable experience.

On that note…

The best time to learn is when you are young. Studying abroad has helped me to make my own decisions, to develop my own opinions and to build up myself as a person. It has also improved my self-confidence and communication skills. I have become more experienced in dealing with people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and most certainly with different beliefs and values. This will help me to work not only in my homeland, but also on an international level, like communicating with foreigners or even taking a career abroad.

Studying abroad is that necessary experience; one of the most memorable in my life. Although Africa is so far away from where I live, it is now in my heart and closer than ever. I have fallen in love with the people here and I wish I didn’t have to leave so soon. –Jesse Mikelberg ’12

Life Lessons in South Africa

Posted on February 12, 2010 by admin

As of the 13th of February, I will have been here for a full month, and what great month it’s been! I visited a slum of downtown Johannesburg as well as talked with inmates from Leuwkop prison. Both these experiences were very eye-opening. At the prison, we socialized not with villains, but with young men who had mistakes in their lives and were now on the right path to a normal life. I chatted with a couple of guys, all of whom were very open with what crimes they had committed. All these men had very tragic stories to tell, however, one man in particular shocked me with his story. He told me that he had tried to rob a money transfer truck with his friends because he didn’t have enough money to buy the drugs that he was addicted to. He also mentioned to me that he had got someone pregnant and now had a 3-year-old boy waiting for him in Soweto. He explained to me why his life turned into a mess and he told me never to repeat any of the mistakes he had made. This man struck me as a very bright guy, and told me that he was now studying to be an engineer so that he could support his child, when he’s released from jail. This criminal taught me more valuable life lessons than anyone else has. I am now looking forward to my next visit to the prison on the 6th of March.

I also spent this last weekend doing something I had never done before. My host family took me to their home at the Vaal dam. The Vaal dam provides water for the entire Gauteng province, which is the most populated province in South Africa. Every year the Pons family participates in a sailing race around an island in the Vaal. I was lucky enough to join the crew even though I had never sailed before. When we first set out it was explained to me that it sometimes get a bit rough out on the water and that I would always have to be on the look out for swinging sails. Apparently it doesn’t get very rough, when there is no wind… It took us four hours to move about 4 kilometers. However, I still had lots of fun and I’m glad it didn’t get too crazy for my first time as sailing looks quite complicated. — Julien Miller ’12

Extraordinary Exchange with Kenya’s Brookhouse

Posted on February 3, 2010 by admin

As I walked out of the Nairobi airport, I expected Brookhouse School to be waiting with a great welcome. Although there was a slight confusion and no one had showed up, the kind and friendly people of Kenya made me feel extremely comfortable.

I have now spent two weeks at Brookhouse attending school and it has been … “AMAZING.” All the students have accepted me as their own, not only in my year, but in all years. I am constantly greeted and asked about my stay on the way to class. This has made the transition much easier for me, not to mention the sports. I have been participating daily in sports such as rugby, basketball, field hockey, and soccer.

I’m currently at my host’s house for the weekend. After only one day of exploring I have so many stories to recount. Just today, (Jan. 30) I was chased by a camel and a guard dog, rode a horse, and was licked by a giraffe! I have also signed up for a 60 km hike, a trip to Mombasa, and to bike Mt. Kenya. I’m very excited!

But, the changes I have experienced here are not what I expected and it’s very hard to explain. Everyone around me is black, yet I do not feel out of place. I think since the people here cannot trust their own government; they cannot trust their own people…

So far, my time here has been extraordinary. I am looking forward to participating in every opportunity and adventure that presents itself. — Jesse Mikelberg ’11

First Impressions of South African Student Exchange

Posted on January 26, 2010 by admin

LCC grade 9 student Julien Miller set out on January 13th on a two month student exchange with Saint Stithians Boys’ College in South Africa.

Here are his first impressions of his student exchange experience:

Going on this exchange is possibly the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m simply loving it here. I could really get used to not having to wear a coat and boots every time I leave the house. However, yesterday we had a massive thunderstorm and it even began to hail. Although, I’ve seen my fair share of storms, I had never seen a storm like this one. I was surprised when the family I’m staying with told me that these storms are quite common for summers in Johannesburg.

Everything at school has been terrific. The teachers are very nice, and the workload hasn’t been too much of a problem as I discovered that I am ahead of the curriculum here. As well, there is a great selection of sports to play. I am currently deciding whether to join the water polo or cricket team. –Julien Miller ’12