Exchange News
Hello from Suniya in Mexico
Hola from Mexico!
It has almost been two months now in this amazing country, time has gone by very fast. I am having the time of my life, eating lots of amazing food, meeting lots of interesting people and going on lots of adventures, the Mexicans sure know how to have fun.
I am living in Aguascalientes, a small city in the northern-central region of Mexico. I'm here with 12 other exchange students from all around the world, we have a lot of fun together. On the streets, I stand out like a sore thumb. I think I may be the only blonde person in the entire country, I am very famous wherever I go.
Mexico is very beautiful, but beautiful in a different way to Australia. Everything is very colourful, the food is very cheap, the people are happy and the life is simple. Not everyone has a lot, but it seems that working when they need to, eating tacos, spending time with family, partying late and drinking tequila makes these people happy. I am happy too.
I haven’t had a lot of time to feel homesick; I am very busy all the time. I am very proud of how far my Spanish has come in such little time. My host family doesn’t speak any English, and all my classes are in Spanish, so I am speaking the language almost all day, every day. When I do speak English, no one really understands what I am saying because of my accent. I didn’t even think it was that strong.
I am having an incredible time, and I am very proud to be representing our country and community on the other side of the world. I am so very lucky to have this amazing opportunity. So many people have put in so much for me to be able to have this experience and I am incredibly grateful.
In the coming months, Mount Beauty will welcome a new exchange student. We’ve had a few in the past, and it’s worth remembering just how special that experience truly is. Not only do we get to offer a teenager from another country the adventure of a lifetime, but they also bring something invaluable to our community. Through them, we gain the chance to discover a new culture, share our own traditions, and build a lasting friendship.
From Suni
Host an Exchange Student
🌏 Host a Rotary Exchange Student – Open Your Home to the World!
Mount Beauty Rotary club are seeking welcoming families to host an International Rotary Exchange Student who will be arriving in winter this year. This is a great opportunity to bring another culture into your home while making a lasting impact on a young person’s life.
About the Program
The Rotary Youth Exchange Program connects students from around the world, giving them the opportunity to live and study in Australia while sharing their culture with local families and schools.
What Hosting Involves
- Providing a safe and supportive home environment
- Including the student in normal family activities.
Hosting for approximately 3–4 months (multiple families usually share the year)
What You’ll Gain
✨ A unique cultural experience for your whole family
✨ Lifelong friendships and international connections
✨ Support from the local Rotary Club throughout the exchange
You do not need to have teenagers to host – just a warm and welcoming home and an interest in cultural exchange.
If you would like to learn more about hosting or express your interest, please contact:
Bob Flower on 0417246303
or
Claire Mackinlay on 0414543920
Help create a life-changing experience for your family and for a young student from across the globe.