By TANIA PHILLIPS
IT WAS a tearful goodbye as the 22 Danish students from Aalborg in Denmark were farewelled by their host families and teachers from Kingscliff TAFE after five months.
Beryl Job, a local host of international students said the visit, the second in two years, had been very rewarding.
“They are very nervous when they first arrive,” she said.
“However, after five months they really do become a part of your family. I see it as an extension of parenting and it’s wonderful to watch them grow.”
International Homestay Co-ordinator Jacqueline Whitney thanked the host families.
“These generous host families who welcome the Danish Students into their homes and heart are a very special group,” Jacqueline said.
“Without their support the international study and cultural tours would not be possible.”
The students have embraced the Australian lifestyle and especially our beach culture.
“Australia has such a relaxed lifestyle, which is so different to Denmark. We definitely made the most of it, by meeting at the beach most afternoons after class,” Christian Nielsen said.
It was important the students became competent in the water so as part of their cultural program, they completed a surf-safety program and participated in learn to surf lessons.
Christian seized this opportunity to expand upon his love of the water and completed his surf lifesaving Bronze Medallion through Cudgen Surf Lifesaving Club.
“I hope to secure a summer job back in Demark as a lifeguard,” Christian said.
Their water skills definitely came in handy when testing the floatability of their hand-made ‘environmentally friendly’ surfboards which they had constructed as part of their course.
“Fingal Heads was the perfect location to launch the surfboards, and I am happy to say they all floated. Although it did take our teacher, Aaron, to show us how it was done,” said student Daniel Hoejmark.
Highlights of their stay included their first encounter with a koala bear and kangaroo, visiting the sights of Sydney and finally a two-week backpacking trip they are currently completing in Northern Queensland.
After spending some time with the students, you get the impression that the simple things made the most impact – such as spending time with their host families and being included in normal weekend activities.
Another student Emma Stenhouse summed it up.
“I have lived with the greatest homestay ever,” she said.
“They are down-to-earth, humorous and caring people who I fit in with. They make the long trip down here to Australia worthwhile.”
