STUNNING FRANSCHOEK – SOUTH AFRICA

On Exchange in Stunning Franschhoek, South Africa

I am having an amazing time on my exchange at Bridge House School. Everything here has been so wonderful, and I have already had so many experiences that I know I will remember for a long time.

One of my most memorable experiences happened during my third weekend, when my exchange partner, Manqoba, her sister and I flew to Johannesburg to stay with her mother. While we were there, we went to a lion and animal experience. It was absolutely amazing to have the animals so close to us, and it was definitely something I could never experience in Launceston!

My exchange has also given me some experiences where I have had to step outside my comfort zone. One of the most confronting moments was when Manqoba had to leave school early for a competition and I had to navigate around the school, finding each of my classes from memory. It was a little challenging because students at Bridge House don’t have specific classrooms listed on their timetables. I had to work things out for myself and find my way around the school.

There are also some really interesting differences in the way school operates here. Each teacher has their own classroom. You go to your teacher’s classroom and they are already there waiting for you.

One thing I would definitely like to bring back to Scotch Oakburn and Launceston is school spirit. The school spirit at Bridge House, and in South African schools generally, is huge. So many people get involved, and it really seems like everyone wants to be there and be part of the community.

On my first weekend, I went to a school rugby game and was amazed to see that every student who went to school was there supporting the students playing. Everyone was cheering and getting behind their team. It was such a great atmosphere and made me realise how much school spirit can bring a community together.

I am really grateful for the opportunity to experience life at Bridge House and in South Africa. I am learning that an exchange isn’t just about seeing new places; it is about putting yourself into unfamiliar situations, meeting new people, experiencing different ways of doing things and being willing to give things a go.

I am definitely making the most of it and can’t wait to see what the rest of my exchange brings!

Izzy Scicchitano
Year 10