Students from Indonesian school Santa Laurensia arrived in town last week to join a large group of Margaret River families hosting the visitors during their Western Australian adventure.
Housed with various host families around town, the students were paired with Margaret River Senior High School students and attended classes alongside their peers.
“It is very exciting for them to see how an Australian class goes, what the students are learning and experiencing the differences between schools in the different countries,” MRSHS international relationship coordinator Angela McCoy said.
Aside from school work and the excitement of living in a “regular Australian household”, the visiting teenagers and their teacher chaperones enjoyed a tour of some of the region’s attractions.
“We are very grateful to the local businesses who go out of their way to accommodate the students on their visit, and they are always so happy to see the animals and the caves, and of course to try the chocolate!”
Ms McCoy said the local host families were an integral part of the program, offering housing and a warm welcome for the Indonesian students.
“It can be quite daunting for these kids, there is a real difference in independence between Australian students and Indonesian students who are much more reliant on their families until an older age,” she said.
“Having these wonderful families accepting one and even sometimes two visiting students into their homes is a one of a kind experience for both the kids and the host families.”
It can be quite daunting for these kids, there is a real difference in independence between Australian students and Indonesian students who are much more reliant on their families until an older age.
- Angela McCoy
The 20 students and their two teachers arrived in Perth and enjoyed a sightseeing tour of the city as part of their WA adventure, which Ms McCoy said had become a highlight on both schools’ annual calendars.