Orientation

Yesterday there was an orientation meeting for all of the exchange students in the Darling Downs area; both going on exchange and already in Australia for their exchange.  I met people from Switzerland, Brazil, Norway and Italy.

The orientation was all about going over the rules of STS again and just having a chat about the exchange program.  You also got some good information about what to expect and how to handle any problems you may have in your host country.  The students from overseas also shared some great tips for us who are starting our exchange in the next few months.  One of the best tips was to have fun and try anything that is different =)

The ones of us that are going on exchange were also given our STS t-shirts and backpack and also our survival kit.  Not sure if one half of my kit will last until I leave though.

For my Aussie friends that aren't going on exchange, I'll put in the 'questionnaire for the first day with your host family'.

1. What do I call you? Mum, Dad, Mr, Mrs?
2. What am I expected to do daily other than:
1. make my bed
2. keep my room tidy at all times
3. leave the bathroom clean and tidy after I use it
3. What is the procedure about dirty clothes?  Where do I keep them until washday?
4. Should I wash my own underclothes?
5. What is the procedure about ironing my clothes?
6. May I use the iron, washing machine, sewing machine etc?
7. Where can I keep my bathroom toiletries?
8. When is the most convenient time for me to use the bathroom weekday mornings?
9. When is the best time for me to bathe - am or pm?
10. When are meals?
11. Do i have specific jobs at meal times? i.e set, clear, wash, dry, garbage, etc.
12. May I help myself to food and drink (non-alcoholic) at any time or must I ask first?
13. What areas are strictly private besides bedrooms? study, pantry, etc.
14. May I put pictures and posters in my bedroom?
15. What time must I get up weekday mornings?
16. What time must I get up weekends and holidays?
17. What time must I go to bed weekday evenings?
18. What time must I be in at night if I go out?
19. What are the dates of family members birthdays, anniversaries, etc and how do you like to celebrate these occasions?
20. Can I have friends come and stay the night?
21. What is the rule on entertaining friends in my room with the door closed?
22. Can I invite friends over during the day?  If parents are home, not at home?
23. What are the rules regarding using the phone?  Local and long distance calls?
24. Do host parents have any pet peeves?  i.e: chewing gum, playing music, tardiness, being interrupted while reading the newspaper, etc.
25. How do I get around?  bus, bicycle, given rides, etc.

We were also given information about how to manage our expectations and everything so to avoid disappointment when we arrive in our host country.

I sent in my scholarship application last week and am now just waiting to hear the verdict on that, so fingers crossed!!

My STS shirt =)

My backpack =D

My name badge and ID card

The 'survival' kit us going on exchange were given =)

The other part of the kit

Everything is really starting to feel like it is happening now.  It's only 94 days until I leave now!!  There is so much that is going to happen in that time though and I'm getting ready for the ride of my life.

Until next post.

Adios Amigos.

Tyarna xx