Amanda went on high school exchange to Australia

Amanda from Finland is on exchange in Australia.

How did you decide to go?

I remember writing a list of the pros and cons of doing an exchange year before I signed up for my first interview with STS. Making the decision about going or not felt life changing. But I came to the conclusion that the opportunities and positive things overweighed the negatives. Now I can confirm I was right and haven’t regretted my decision a single time since. I ended up going to the Sunshine Coast in Australia where I’m staying for 12 months. I didn’t have many expectations of how everything would turn out, but living on the Sunshine Coast has been better than I had ever imagined. I´m living my dream life!

How is Australia as an exchange destination?

It is the perfect location for those who want to live a real Australian beach life. Life never gets boring here, there are always new things to do and places to see. My favorite thing about Australia is for sure the laid-back lifestyle. I love waking up early during weekends to go for a walk, a surf, a morning swim, have an Australian brekkie, and go to a market for some shopping and yummy food. Life is slow and the fact that I see kangaroos on the streets feels like a dream. I have fallen in love with the Australian way of living and can’t wait to come back and travel around after I graduate high school back in Finland.

How is your everyday life?

My everyday life consists of getting dressed in a uniform for school and then a bikini in the afternoons when going to the beach. I spend most of my days with friends at the beach, having BBQs, going hiking, going on weekend day trips to beaches, waterfalls, or markets, and best of all, watching sunrises and sunsets as often as possible.

What’s your best memory so far?

It’s impossible to say one favorite memory! But one night I will never forget is a concert I went to with three of my friends. A couple of trips around Australia that my school organized for all international students have also been awesome.

What are your main learnings?

An exchange year makes you grow and changes your mindset on life in so many ways. It changes you a lot as a person and makes you become more independent. I used to be very focused on school, but living in Australia made me realize that school is just one part of life and that what actually matters is seeing new places, making memories, and spending time with people you love.

Are you happy with STS?

The STS staff has been very supportive throughout the whole process and was so helpful in deciding which area and school would be the best fit for me.

Any advice for someone thinking about going?

Sure:

1. Anyone can do it!
   You don’t have to be very outgoing or know yourself perfectly.
2. Don’t compare!
   Don’t compare yourself and your experience with previous exchange students.
   Everyone has a unique experience and whatever happens, it will change you as a person a lot, you will become more independent, and make memories and friends for life.
3. Appreciate the small things!
   An exchange year will not be 100% perfect all the time. Appreciating and being grateful for all the small and positive things in the everyday life is very important.

Find out more

• Read more student stories from Australia
• Read more about a high school exchange in Australia
• See all our high school exchange destinations