Year 8 Exchange 2024

The Round Square exchange was a really great opportunity for me to meet new people and experience something new. I really enjoyed hosting my exchange buddy Poppy because it meant I got to show someone around our school and be a role model. It is like having another sibling as well as also getting to know someone new and learning about what they like as well. I was a lot more productive after school instead of just chilling I was doing activities and making sure my exchange student was having fun. 

Over the two weeks I went away to Kinross Wolaroi I had a really great time learning in a new space and trying different hobbies of someone else. It was a great experience going to a co ed school as it really was different, and it was really fun to make new friends. This experience gave myself lots more confidence and independence, considering I didn’t know anyone, and I had to go out of my comfort zone and try new things.

– Greta Sharp (Year 8)

Our exchange was organised by Mr Maling and Ms Jauncey and was designed by Round Square, which gave us the opportunity to host girls from around NSW as well as experience their lives. I wanted to join this exchange to improve my communication skills when in a new environment, as well as building strong relationships.

I attended Radford College in Canberra. Which had a huge campus, an open teaching program that was often run by the student’s choices, and it was co-educational. Many of the subjects at Radford were like the ones we have at MLC School, except for their specialist early electives, a class called study skills and the hour-long assemblies and chapels. While there, I was also introduced to Japanese and their languages program, which is very culture heavy. My Zoe did not participate in any activities, so I did get to represent my water polo club at a training in Canberra. I am very grateful for being invited to join training with Nordek and building those relationships with players and coaches.

While spending time with Zoe, we experienced an amazing ice-cream place called GoodBerries, which is almost like build your own ice-cream flavour, we went out at 8pm one school night to get this delicacy and the trip is a memory I will cherish for a long time. The experience I had cannot be replaced and if another opportunity like this should come up, I would definitely participate.

– Melisande Pitman (Year 8)

Hosting an exchange student has been an enriching, rewarding and very exciting experience for both of us. I have particularly enjoyed introducing Daisy to our school community, my family and friends and taking her to the beach. We have created long lasting memories and have been having an amazing time. This exchange is teaching both of us to be flexible and adjust, and to communicate what we both want and need.

My exchange to Canberra was a fantastic experience where I had the chance to make new friends and immerse myself in someone else’s daily life and routine. I spent two weeks at Radford College, and during my time there, I had a great experience trying out my host family’s schedule and meeting new people. I believe that during my stay, I gained a lot of confidence and became much more independent. It was an amazing opportunity to try new things, explore Canberra, and step outside of my comfort zone.

– Lucy Stoddard (Year 8)

Hosting a student on exchange was an incredible experience! It’s been a unique way to step outside my comfort zone and explore Sydney with my exchange buddy, Clara. We had so much fun together, going to places like Yochi, Luna Park, Westfield, the beach, and the pool. Each outing has brought us closer and given us new memories. Hosting Clara has been a great way to learn about her all whilst showing her my favourite parts of Sydney.

I decided to go on the Canberra exchange to broaden my horizons and become more independent. Life at Radford College was exciting! I made loads of new friends, played soccer every lunch, and constantly ran to make it to class on time in their massive school. But one thing I quickly learned: school back at MLC School feels a bit easier and calmer—especially without boys. In fact, after one incident with a basketball, I ended up in the hospital with a fractured finger on Halloween, painted yellow as a minion. Despite this, I got involved in all my classes and after-school activities, which made the experience even better. This exchange has helped me grow and become more confident by meeting so many new people and making unforgettable memories. I also got to experience the daily life of a different family for two weeks, which I learnt to adjust to. Overall, I’d definitely do it again! If you’re thinking about signing up next time, I’d highly recommend it. It’s been such a fantastic experience.

– Evie Fergus (Year 8)

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