National Exchange Program – Isabelle’s Perth Adventure

The National and International Exchange Program gives Pymble students the opportunity to experience life outside of their normal environment.  

In Middle School, students can participate in the National Exchange Program where they stay with families from Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne or Toowoomba. 

Upper School students can participate in cultural or language international exchanges, where they venture overseas to be immersed in a different culture or practice language skills.  

Pymble students can also reciprocate by hosting exchange students in their homes, introducing them to life in Sydney.  

These exchange programs allow students to explore new environments, build independence and grow new connections. The personal growth they experience on the exchange program is immense, with the girls embracing new experiences, overcoming challenges, building resilience and learning how to navigate life independently. 

To learn more about the National exchange experience, we asked Isabelle to share their story. 

A National Exchange Story 

Isabelle (Year 8) – Perth

1. Why did you want to participate in the National Exchange Program? 

I participated in the National Exchange program because it is such an amazing opportunity that is truly unforgettable. Having the opportunity to explore a different school in another state is something that really interested me. I am very passionate about stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things. I believe that it is an amazing way to discover a new environment, make lifelong friends, become more independent and see the differences in school in another state. Ever since my sister got accepted into the national exchange program a few years ago, I knew straight away that I had an interest in applying and that going on this experience would enrich and develop me as an individual in multiple ways. 

2. What surprised you about life in Perth? 

The thing that surprised me about life in Perth is that everything is much smaller than in Sydney. In their eyes, the locals think their city is very big, but it is actually quite small. Another thing that surprised me was that everything was spread out and far away from each other.  

3. What did you find challenging? 

I found it challenging being so far away from family and friends, but it was good that I got the opportunity to call and text them whenever I liked. 

4. Was there a special moment or memory that you will treasure? 

A special memory that I will treasure is going to the school experiencing different subjects, meeting new people being so accepted that it felt like I’d moved schools.  

5. What have you learned about yourself during this experience? 

What I learnt about myself during this experience is that I have great resilience, and I love exploring new lifestyles and travelling to new places. Doing this got me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow as a person.  

6. How did you find the experience of hosting an exchange student at Pymble? 

Hosting an exchange student at Pymble was a very exciting experience as I loved showing the College’s stunning grounds. I felt a sense of pride in my school and found it enjoyable to show her my day-to-day life at Pymble.  

7. What would you tell someone thinking of participating in the exchange program in the future? 

I would tell them to definitely do it! If I had the chance, I would do it again in a heartbeat, without a doubt. It was such an amazing opportunity to see another lifestyle from another state and making so many new friends on the way. If you want the chance to explore, have fun, make friends and experience going to school in another state, I would certainly sign up.