Rotary Club Armadale has bid farewell to their Youth Exchange Western Australia Year 12 student Amanda Steinholt, who spent a year attending Kelmscott Senior High School as part of the program.
Coming from Norway, Amanda was immersed in WA culture and scenery from the beginning of her journey.
“My year was filled with good memories from all over Western Australia. I remember my first day at Kelmscott SHS. My first class was cooking, where I met my friend, who stayed with me the whole year,” Amanda said.
“Cooking ended up being my favourite class. I had the same teacher for my whole Year 11 and 12, just in different classes, and I’m really grateful for that. Mrs Milutinovic always had lots to talk about, plenty of stories, and made every class a good time.”
It was not all school, however, as Amanda took the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of WA, attended her Year 12 ball at Kelmscott SHS and partook in many charity activities associated with Rotary.
“I travelled quite a bit, and I got to see all the beautiful scenery, from Kalbarri to Albany. It’s been very exciting to meet so many people and make connections. I’m extremely grateful for everything and everyone.
“It was hard at times, but I pushed through and made it the whole year. I’ve learned a lot, including that if I put my mind to something, I can do it. I didn’t expect it to be easy to move away from home to a foreign country at 17. I was scared but also excited. It turns out it was the best decision I could have made.”
Amanda believes her language skills have sharpened from her time spent in the country.
“Although I could speak and read English when I came here, my skills have definitely gotten better. My grammar is still not the best, but it’s a little better at least.”
Overall, she says she has had a great time as part of the program and has extended thanks to Rotary for their support.
“My year in Australia has been amazing. As I said earlier, I am really grateful for everything. I hope more people volunteer and go on an exchange because it really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said.
“I am here with Rotary, more specifically the Rotary Club of Armadale. They have been amazing and so have the host people I’ve met.”
The Rotary Club of Armadale said they were thrilled Amanda had such a great year abroad.
“She shared a comprehensive presentation at our recent Changeover event about her year in Australia. It was an engaging, funny and reflective talk about the wins, challenges and growth she has experienced in her year with us.”
The conclusion of her journey was celebrated with an evening of bowling.
