For Year 10 student Lily Taylor, a six-week Round Square exchange to Woodridge College in South Africa has been a journey filled with discovery, challenge, and friendship. From early-morning safaris to the rhythm of boarding school life, Lily’s experience has been one she will never forget.

One of the most memorable parts of her exchange came right at the beginning — a five-day visit to Kruger National Park. “We saw so many incredible animals — lions, elephants, and hippos — all in their natural habitat,” Lily recalled. “It was so different from anything I’d ever experienced in Australia.” Early mornings and late afternoons were spent on sunrise and sunset game drives, searching for new and exciting wildlife.

Another highlight was a weekend trip to Plettenberg Bay, a stunning coastal town in South Africa’s Western Cape. Lily and a group of new friends travelled there to celebrate a birthday, giving her the chance to see even more of the country’s breathtaking scenery. “It was such a beautiful place,” she said. “And it was so special to share it with the amazing friends I’d made during my time at Woodridge.”

While the adventures beyond the classroom have been unforgettable, the boarding school experience presented a new kind of challenge. Adjusting from being a day student in Launceston to a full-time boarder in South Africa took time. “At first, it was confronting to spend all day and night surrounded by classmates,” Lily admitted. “But once I got to know everyone better, I realised how fun and supportive life in the boarding house could be.” The larger Woodridge campus also offered new freedoms — from outdoor activities to after-school sports and social events that helped her quickly feel at home.

What stood out most to Lily about Woodridge was the strong sense of community. “Everyone knows everyone, and there’s no drama,” she said. “It’s a really close-knit school where all students, regardless of year level, are friends.” It’s a spirit of connection and kindness that Lily hopes to bring back to Scotch Oakburn. “If we could have that same sense of unity and togetherness at Scotch, it would be amazing.”

Perhaps the biggest surprise of all was discovering how similar South Africa and Australia really are. Despite the differences in culture, slang, and food, Lily found comfort in familiar patterns of school life, climate, and community spirit. “In so many ways, it feels just like home,” she reflected.

Lily’s time at Woodridge has not only broadened her horizons but deepened her appreciation for the global friendships and shared values that lie at the heart of the Round Square experience. “This exchange has shown me how connected the world really is,” she said. “It’s something I’ll carry with me long after I return home.”

Stuart Walls
Director of Round Square