An interview with...

Zoe Van Maanenberg and Flavio Fontana, exchange students on a quest for global citizenship

Brave, courageous and adventurous…these are just three of the words that come to mind upon hearing the term international exchange student. Conjuring up an image of overloaded backpacks, sad airport goodbyes and phrases well and truly lost in translation, the thrilling reality of a student’s year in exchange is not only one of broadened horizons, but of often humbling and life changing experiences.

For Year 9 student, Zoe van Maanenberg the opportunity to spend a year on exchange in the Czech Republic is one that she not only anticipates will ‘shape her life for the better’ but will enable her to further develop skills for a bright and successful future.

One of only 25 candidates from Victoria to be accepted into Rotary International’s Youth Exchange Program, Zoe is effusive about her up and coming venture to the Czech Republic. In a flurry of avid preparation, Zoe is not only studying the Czech language but has  delved into the customs, history and even architecture of the central European nation.

Billeted to four host families in a township just outside of the picturesque capital of Prague, Zoe will depart Australia on January 14, next year. Positively ecstatic at the prospect of experiencing firsthand the country’s world-famous castles and historical monuments, Zoe said that there is one event that she simply cannot not wait for.

‘I’m really looking forward to a white Christmas! It will be such a wonderful experience with all the Christmas markets in the snow. I’m excited for all the celebrations around that time of the year, which will of course be very different to our own.

‘I’m also looking forward to school, though it will be stressful at first because I’m still learning the language and no one there will speak English. I will get lots of support through Rotary and my own Rotary in Mooroopna will be kept updated.’

More encouraged than perturbed by the initial language barrier, Zoe said, ‘I’m actually very excited to experience culture shock because overall the whole exchange will be an amazing experience.’

Though Zoe said she’s sure to miss her family, her dog and her predilection for 30-minute showers, she’s grateful for the opportunity affirming, ‘It’s an experience few even get to think about, let alone do.’

From imminent departures to exchange student arrivals, Flavio Fontana is a Year 11 student who hails from the exquisite Lombardy region of Northern Italy. 

A talented artist with an eye for design, Flavio is roughly halfway through his international adventure. Motivated by a desire to refine his English while immersing himself within the Australian culture, the creative Year 11 is eager to share his experiences thus far as a courageous exchange student.

‘I wanted to come to Australia to get to know a new culture, and to improve my English because it is a language very useful to know for my future. In Italy, learning English is compulsory and I first began to learn it when I was six years old.’

When asked to highlight the differences between attending school in Italy and here, at St Anne’s College, Flavio said,

 ‘There are many differences! The school system here is completely different from that in Italy. In Italy you begin school at 8am and finish at 1.40pm.

‘We go to class with thirty others and sit at tables in front of the teacher who we always call by their last name. Also, we all study the same subjects, we don’t have the choice we have here.

‘I think here at St Anne’s there is more respect between the students and the teacher because there are fewer students in the class, and we can speak more with the teacher.’

Having been introduced to, and making many new friends, Flavio said he is thoroughly enjoying his time in the country missing only the ease of speaking and expressing himself fully in his native tongue. 

Asked if he misses the cuisine that Italy is so famous for, Flavio diplomatically replied, ‘Only a little, the food here is also very good.’