Writing Piece from Lilli Knur - German Exchange Student

Hi, I’m Lilli, a 17-year-old exchange student from Germany, and for the past several months, I’ve been living in Australia. 

This experience has been nothing short of life changing, full of new adventures, cultural surprises, and personal growth.When I had the chance to do an exchange year, I wanted to go somewhere completely different from home, somewhere far away, where I might not have the opportunity to go again in the future. Australia seemed like the perfect choice. But no matter how much you think you know about a place, living there is a whole different experience! In this article, I want to take you through my journey: the first impressions, the biggest cultural differences, what school life is like, and, of course, the highlights and challenges that have shaped my time here.

First Impressions

Arriving in Australia felt almost surreal. Everything was new: the accents, the weather, even the way people interacted! One of the first things I noticed was how open and friendly Australians are. Strangers chat with you at the bus stop or in shops as if they’ve known you for years. In Germany, people are a little more reserved, so this took some getting used to. The weather wasn’t too surprising, but I did notice how quickly it could change. One day it’s 30°C and sunny, and the next, it’s pouring rain. It was different from what I was used to, but I got used to it quickly.

School Life in Australia

Starting school here at McClelland College was a completely new experience. The biggest difference was the subject choices. Back home, the curriculum is mostly fixed, but here, I could pick subjects like Food Studies and Business Management! I liked that because it made school feel more practical and relevant to everyday life. The overall atmosphere is a bit different too. People often say Australian schools are more relaxed, but I actually found that there are more rules and routines. Things like “class voices” (where you’re told how loud you can be) and standing in pairs before being allowed into the classroom felt a bit unusual, especially as an older student with different rules back home.

In Germany, there’s more independence, while here, there’s a bigger focus on structure and supervision in young people’s learning.One of the coolest parts of school in Australia is the events. We had a swim carnival and an athletics day, which were completely new experiences for me! In Germany, we don’t really have whole school sports events like that, so it was fun to see everyone getting involved, whether they were competing or just cheering their friends on.What I like most about school here is the social side. From day one, people were welcoming and curious about where I was from, which made settling in much easier.

Daily Life and Cultural Differences

Living in Australia has meant adjusting to a completely different daily routine. One of the first things I noticed was the food. While there are more fast food places here, the food culture at school is actually pretty similar to Germany in some ways. People bring sandwiches, toasties, or leftovers from home, and many buy food from the canteen.

 However, one big difference is the bread. In Germany, we have a wide variety of breads, like rye or whole grain, that we often bring to school. Here in Australia, the bread they use for sandwiches is more basic, like white or wholemeal bread, which is different from what we’re used to.

Public transport wasn’t really a huge change for me. The system is pretty similar, but the card system is different. I actually like how the trains are so big here, it’s a nice change from what I’m used to.Australians are generally laid back, and socializing can be more relaxed compared to what I’m used to. One thing I noticed is that, compared to me, people here don’t go out as much. Since I’m living in a new country, I’m naturally more outgoing. I want to experience everything and explore all that Australia has to offer, much like when you’re on holiday and want to see everything. In contrast, locals might not feel the same urgency to go out or try new things, since they’re already familiar with their environment. So, my desire to go out and be social is probably more intense because I’m in an unfamiliar place.

Highlights and Challenges

This exchange year has been full of unforgettable moments. One of my favorite experiences has been visiting the beaches. Australia’s coastline is stunning, and spending time by the ocean is something I know I’ll miss when I go back to Germany. I also got to see kangaroos and koalas up close, which was really cool.Another highlight has been making new friends. People here have been welcoming and interested in learning about Germany, which made settling in much easier.

When it comes to challenges, I didn’t really struggle with language or being away from home. I picked up Australian slang pretty quickly, and speaking English all the time wasn’t an issue for me. What was tough at first, though, were the long trips to the city every weekend- Australians live much further away from their capital cities because there is so much land space. Spending an hour and a half each way on the train was exhausting, and at one point, I even thought about changing schools because of it. But over time, I got used to it, and now it’s just a normal part of my week. I am glad I did stay, because the friends and experiences I have had at McClelland have been special. Overall, this year has helped me grow, not just in terms of adapting to new situations but also in confidence. It’s been a chance to step out of my usual routine and experience something completely different.

Conclusion

Reflecting on my time in Australia, I can honestly say this experience has changed me in so many ways. Living in a different country, adapting to a new culture, and stepping out of my comfort zone has made me more independent and open-minded. I’ve learned to appreciate different perspectives and embrace new experiences, even when they’re challenging.

To anyone considering an exchange program: do it! It’s not always easy, but the friendships, personal growth, and unforgettable moments make it 100% worth it. You learn so much about yourself and the world around you.And to McClellandand my new friends, thank you. 

Thank you for welcoming me, for making me feel at home, and for being part of this journey. Australia has become my second home, and I know I’ll always look back on this year with amazing memories.