Messages from Del Rio Rotary Exchange Student in Australia
see photos

Your Name: J.L. Perez   jlsaidhi_1234@hotmail.com 

Sponsored by (Texas Rotary Club): Del Rio Rotary Club 5840

Hosted by (Country and Rotary Club): Australia, 9550

Host family Name and Mailing Address: Ken & Georgina Jenkyn ; 8 Ellison Court, Anula

1.       How was your flight?  Any problems?

Other Than my flight being EXTREMELY long, and the 7 hour delay in Los Angeles, everything went smoothly. I flew with Quantas and they took good care of me.

2. What stands out as the most unusual thing in your host country?

Well for start, its very hot right now and I’m in dead set winter time over here. Don’t like that haha. But its different. One thing unusual is that in school, people believe im the exchangee from Mexico, not America cause im Mexican haha. Cheers to that. Not as many crocs or Kangaroos as I thought there would be.  

3.       What did you pack that you already realize was NOT needed?

               Umm.. I don’t think anything. My mother packed me 8 america flags haha.  A little to much

               American Pride? But everything so far I have used.

4.       What do you like BEST so far?

NOT BEING IN DEL RIO, TEXAS!! And I feel very independent. Its awesome. I love this place. Thinking about going to university here when im done, but that decision isn’t confirmed yet. The Best thing also is that the people In Australia are very Laid back. They say oh no worries mate. Different from Americans.  

5.       Tell me about your host family.

My host family are really great. 2 older people ahaha. But no worries, don’t mind it at all. My father is a teacher and the
President of the Exchangee Program in our district. My mother works for a Psychologist. They work 8 to 4:30 everyday.
Im in school from 8 to 2:30. I take the bus so its all good.

6. Where do you sleep?

In the guestroom. They gave me my own room, since there are no other kids in the house. So I sleep comfortably.

7.       Tell me about your school.

BEA-utiful. On a cliff overlooking the beach & Ocean. What more could I ask for? My school has quite a bit of history
from surviving the WWII war and stuff. Very old school. But very nice. Teachers are great. The classes are awesome.
 And the students are the best. Made so many friends already, so im lucky. From 8 to 2:30 with a 25 min. recess at 10

and then lunch at 12. I love that idea.

         8.  Have you been to a Rotary Meeting in hour host country?

       If so, briefly describe and how many have you attended.....

              There ok. I have been to about 6 of them. Go every thurs. It’s at a restaurant. The Rotary keeps me

               Involved in the activities the do throughout the community.

8.       Have you attended an IB Orientation in  your host country?

Im going to one on Oct. 3^rd in Townsville Queensland.

       10.  Have you received your monthly money from your hosting Rotary Club?     yes                                           

              If so, how much?  $120.00

  11.  Anything at all you would like to add:

I was shocked about Steve Irwin's death. He is amazing in the USA, but here he is known as an idiot. very disappointed.  

Thanks for making this trip possible for me!

This will be a life changing experience that everyone should do.