On Exchange from Australia

by Jacqui, Year 10 (on exchange from Ballarat Grammar School, Australia)

It’s amazing how such a small amount of time can change your life. Not only making the decision to go on exchange, but the decision to come to Gordonstoun in particular is probably one of the best, if not, the best decision I’ve ever made.

Before I went on exchange, my mother and father asked me what I wanted to get out of it, and I said simply to broaden my horizons, and that’s exactly what I got - and more! Gordonstoun School has presented me many amazing challenges and opportunities which I would never be able to do back home. Seamanship, skiing and Scottish Dancing are a few of the many new things I was able to try, and looking back on it, I really have enjoyed every minute of it. It has opened my eyes to the world and made me realise what I was missing out on.

Being a 24 hour plane trip away from your family and home, gives you a massive amount of room to become independent and discover who you really are. The Gordonstoun community has given me so much, much more than words could describe.

Thank you so much to Gordonstoun School, and in particular Mr Ince, Mr Pyper, Mr and Mrs Hewett and the whole of Year 10 for an amazing experience. Finally, to anyone who is considering exchange, I have two words for you: DO IT! There is a world of opportunities; all you have to do is take them.