We have been fortunate enough to travel extensively while we have been in Canada. During the March break, we enjoyed a week in sunny Orlando, Florida, where we visited Universal Studios, Disneyland and Harry Potter. During our summer break, we travelled throughout the United States, enjoying the sights of New York, Washington, Pennsylvania, Baltimore, Detroit and the theme parks in Ohio. We also spent much of our August exploring Canada, namely Niagara Falls, Quebec, Montreal and Ottawa.
One of the reasons that I decided to participate in a teaching exchange was not only to learn more about the education system, but also to expose my three children to a different culture and to meet new people.
They have definitely gotten the most out of their year here. They have been involved in local sports teams (soccer and baseball) and they have immersed themselves fully in their school communities, as they offer more extra-curricular activities here. Initially, my husband and I were worried about uprooting our kids away from everyone and everything they know and taking them halfway across the world to an unknown place.
However, it has been the best learning experience we could ever have given them. They have made lifelong friends and learnt to adapt to new situations better than we ever thought they could.
It’s hard to believe that it’s already October. We just celebrated Thanksgiving and are now preparing for Halloween, where we are anticipating 400 trick or treaters in our estate!
For anyone considering a teaching exchange in the future, particularly those with younger children, I strongly recommend you consider it. It has been a truly incredible experience for our family that we will never forget.
Maria Oliverio St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Albion Park
