6/20/2007 - Exchange proves worthwhile

Exchange proves worthwhile
The Star News Group, Australia

Nicolas Lietzau is German but for now he calls Australia – and Epping – home.

The 16-year-old is in Australia as part of an exchange program organised through the international agency AFS. And for the time being, he’s part of the Cobb family.

For the rest of the year, Nicolas will attend Epping Secondary College, which he says has greater subject choice than German schools – and is considerably more lenient.

But much of his learning in Australia will come from interacting with an Australian family, every day in every way.

He has been staying with John and Marilyn Cobb who have four adult children, including Rebecca, 21, who lives at home.

They had never acted as a host family before but Rebecca was involved in the exchange program run by AFS and had stayed with a host family in Germany. When AFS was looking for a host family for Nicolas, they contacted the Cobbs.

“You treat them like one of your own,” Mrs Cobb said. “If Nic does something wrong we can tell him he’s done the wrong thing.”

Mr Cobb said of hosting Nicolas: “It’s been interesting.”

One of the benefits of staying in another country is being able to make friends and get to know people properly, rather than fleetingly as when travelling.

Nicolas said he had encountered people who tried to stereotype him, and acknowledged that some Germans probably had misconceptions about Australians.

One of the most important lessons he has learnt is “tolerance … especially understanding the culture”. And there are friends he has made that he’s sure he’ll keep.

The Victorian co-ordinator for AFS, Rebecca Smith, said there were about 300 students who came to Australia on the high school exchange program every year.

The not-for-profit organisation is searching for host families to take in the next influx, due in August. AFS is particularly keen on families in the northern suburbs.

Anyone who wants to act as a host family can contact 1800 023 982 or email Ms Smith at rebecca.smith@afs.org.

Originally posted here: http://www.starnewsgroup.com.au/story/44043