Sophomores Amira Parker and Jonah Fine are looking forward to reconnecting with their “host buddies” when the students from Tasmania attend classes at AFS this winter in the second part of our new student exchange program.
This summer, Amira and Jonah attended classes at the Friends’ School in Hobart, and stayed at the homes of Gabrielle Merritt and James Arnott. In turn, Amira and Jonah will serve as hosts for the Australian students when they visit here. The exchange program is being offered under the auspices of the AFS Center for Experiential Learning, and is one of several new travel opportunities that are being offered this year to Upper School students.
In July, Amira and Jonah pioneered the three-week exchange program for AFS, flying first to Los Angeles and from there to Sydney and Hobart. They attended classes during the week, and spent weekends taking in the local sights and attending an Aussie Rules football game. Jonah also played some soccer with the Quaker school’s team.
While in school, our students were able to take some classes that are unavailable to them here, including food studies, film appreciation, sports science and woodworking.
Asked what about the Hobart school was the same as AFS, both Amira and Jonah mentioned attending Meeting for Worship. Even so, they also noted some differences. The setting was different — a circular room with lots of natural light — and there was a video presentation that was part of MFW.
And what was different from AFS? The students are required to wear uniforms, which were given to them upon arrival.
Jonah and Amira said they were glad they took part in the exchange program and are recommending it to other students.
“It was a great experience,” Amira said. “I can’t wait for my friends to meet Gabby.”
Jonah concurred. “Meeting a person from across the world — it’s crazy to think about that.”
The Center for Experiential Learning at AFS will host a Global Travel Information Night at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 26, in the Faulkner Reading Room. Parents and students can learn more about the three trips that will be offered later this year: a trip over Spring Break to Costa Rica; an outdoor education trip in June to Hurricane Island in Maine; and the summer exchange program with the Friends’ School in Tasmania. Jonah and Amira will be present that night, as well as representatives from Chill Expeditions, which will be guiding the trip to Costa Rica, and staff from Hurricane Island.
Center Director, Rosanne Mistretta said some financial aid and grants are available for the student trips. Details about applying for aid will be provided at the Information Night as well.
