When asked their thoughts about our program, here's what past
students had to say!
Ha-ha...well, I learned rolling clothes is essential for storage
space, and its hard to prepare yourself for meeting someone you've
emailed for a while, it's like a blind date. When I was there I
learned not to worry about the small stuff and just have a good time,
things always straighten themselves out. I've also gained a lot
of patience from going on this trip, which is a great thing.
Anything else you need just let me know!
Sarah
…I would never stop the exchange. It was great to see a
different part of the world, and experience the culture as Australians
do. I had a great time, and I couldn't see anyone going there
and having a bad time…
Amber
Any time student(s) can travel to a
new place, that's a good experience for that person or persons.
In the present exchange program, the students who go to Colac, etc.,
those who go to Australia get a little bit of another culture and way
of life. Granted there are more similarities than differences,
but this is still very good. It seems to me that we have to do
all we can to encourage the Colac people to get back into the "habit"
of coming here every other year. (I know why they preferred not
to come the last two times were because of the international
situation.) The people who have gone to Australia these past
trip have participated in something they'll never forget; if the
program is still going when their kids are in high school, they'll
insist their kids go too.
Bruce W.
If someone made us stop the program, my very strong argument
against this idea would be this: First of all, I consider going to
Australia a main high light in my entire life and it has changed my
life tremendously. I went there thinking I would gain a new
appreciation for our country and, in some ways I did, It was good to
be home, but I ended up appreciating a different culture way more.
What an eye opener to see how other people live!! It made it
easier to stand back and look at our culture as a whole and made my
opinions on certain things change. In some ways, I realized that
there are better ways to do things than just the American way, an
example would be, football. Aussie rules, in my opinion is
better, and I was very certain that the boys couldn't convince me
otherwise, but they did and it to the authentic experience of being
there for me to realize that. The trip made me open my mind.
Your thoughts can really change to be more tolerant and open to
different ideas when you become the minority. Secondly, I
learned responsibility. And after living with another family, I
feel more ready than ever before to move out and go to college next
year, I feel like I will be able to handle it because I've been thrown
in so many different situations, where you are forced to realize that
your own survival is key….
I generally appreciate people more and I could never regret this
experience. It was fun and very educational and it changed my
life. Not to mention all the friends I have made, and the new
passionate love I have for Australia, its people and the surfing!
Amy
This exchange opened my eye to see what it is
like to be the one with the accent. We are showing that
Americans are not what they see on TV… yes we should have this
exchange.
Personally it has helped me because I had never experienced it and
you learn a lot about yourself when thrown into that kind of
situation. Being away from your parents and in a foreign county
is just in my option something every young adult should do.
Korey
It was a fabulous experience in Colac. I learned about their
government, health care system, life style, felt a part of their
families, saw parts of the country most people wouldn't get to see,
learned about their schools and education system, tried things I never
would have here in the States. All in all, it was so neat I
can't stop talking about it.
Deb
You may find Alumni Members of the exchange on their
Facebook group page: Colac-Walker Sister City Exchange - share photos
and past experiences and keep up with our friends over in Colac. 
The City
of Walker, Michigan