Sarah shares her travelling tales
Sarah Giles (17), current Headgirl at St Catherine's, spent her December holidays on a Rotary youth exchange trip in Vienna, Austria
‘IT is a life changing experience that you will cherish for the rest of your life.’
Sarah Giles (17), current Headgirl at St Catherine’s, spent her December holidays on a Rotary youth exchange trip in Vienna, Austria.
She spoke to members of the Empangeni Rotary Club last week, where she shared highlights from her time in Europe, the customs and cultures, and the unique schooling system.
‘I was hosted by the Brandstätter Weiser family and my host sister Marlies,’ said Sarah, who attended a school in Mödling, Austria, specialising in product management and presentation.
‘It was very different to the schooling system in South Africa. We took classes in, for instance, Photoshop.
‘The youth there can really focus on their interests and the hours are flexible.
‘What time you went to school and what time you returned, was dependent on what courses you took.’
Sarah loved the European winter and took quickly to ice skating, skiing and snow boarding.
During her six-week stay with the Brandstätter Weiser family she also visited Salzburg, the Saalfelden Alps, Graz, Prague, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Her visit to Salzburg was a social meeting with 100 exchange students from all over the world.
‘I met so many incredible young people from around the globe, and have friends in every country now.’
She expressed her gratitude to Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Empangeni for their support.
Also in attendance was Kiara Coetzer, who is heading off on her exchange at the end of this year, and was delighted to hear Sarah’s stories.
‘I’m so excited now, and cannot wait to hear which country I will be visiting,’ said Kiara.
She will travel either to Italy or Austria.
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