Exchange Student Farewells

This Term we’ve had the absolute pleasure of hosting four amazing exchange students! 🎉 With Vera and Daily only staying for a short time, we’re already sad to say goodbye – but what an adventure it’s been!

Check out their stories below as they share what it was like living with local families, exploring the Southern Grampians Shire, and making memories to last a lifetime.

Vera Cosco - Year 10

Farewell to Vera – Our Exchange Student from Italy

This term we were fortunate to welcome Vera, our exchange student from Italy, who joined us for Term 3. From the moment she arrived, Vera immersed herself in school life and quickly became a valued member of our Year 10 cohort.

During her stay, Vera participated fully in classroom activities and learning, always bringing a positive and enthusiastic attitude. She was also a cast member in our school production of Beauty and the Beast, where she contributed her energy and talent to an incredible performance.

A highlight of Vera’s time in Australia was attending the Outdoor Education Camp at Halls Gap. There she experienced the beauty of the Grampians, spotting kangaroos, wallabies and emus in their natural environment. She also embraced the challenge of hiking and bike riding, creating lasting memories with her peers.

Most importantly, Vera formed many wonderful friendships with our Year 10 students and enjoyed a supportive and welcoming experience with her host family. She has truly made a mark on our school community, and we will miss her warmth and enthusiasm.

We wish Vera all the very best as she returns home to Italy and hope she carries with her fond memories of her time in Australia.

Daily Dai - Year 7

Two weeks of Baimbridge study life

I think Baimbridge College is better than my school in China. In Chinese schools, we need to go to school before 7:30 am, and finish school at 6:30 pm. It's too tiring. But Baimbridge College is more relaxing and friendly.

My favorite subject is PE. In China, for us to pass the Senior High School Entrance Exam, we need to run for about one kilometer every PE class. But in Baimbridge, we just play games all the time, during the whole PE class. In my opinion, it must be welcomed by Chinese students. Obviously a Chinese student like me, I love playing all the games in PE.

In Baimbridge, you can go out to play team games or sports during recess and lunch. There's really a lot of fun. I love to play outside as I am outgoing. And playing sports is also my hobby. I think that the school rules make students relax and be more active in learning.

To sum up, Baimbridge is a great school. For example, the lessons are interesting, and the activities are interesting too. I love this school, and to be honest, I look forward to going back again.

- Daily

Why Hosting an Exchange Student is Worthwhile!

Opening your home to an international exchange student is a rewarding experience that goes far beyond simply providing accommodation. It’s a chance to share our community, culture, and way of life while also learning from a young person with a different background and perspective. Families often find that hosting creates lifelong friendships and broadens horizons for everyone involved.

At our school has worked with both YFU (Youth For Understanding) and WEP (World Education Program) to support cultural exchange opportunities. Through these programs, students from around the world have become part of our school community—joining in classes, participating in co-curricular activities, and experiencing everyday Australian family life.

Hosting an exchange student is not only enriching for the visiting student, but it also benefits our school and local families. It encourages intercultural understanding, builds global connections, and gives our own students the opportunity to see the world from a new perspective—without even leaving home.

If your family is interested in learning more about hosting, please reach out to the exchange company directly for details on how you can be involved in this exciting and rewarding experience.

WEP Student Exchange - Host a Student

YFU Student Exchange - Host a Student