Rotary exchange students accept challenge

AS BRAZILIAN exchange student Antonio Guerra settles into life in Broome, local resident Eva Mitchell is brushing up on her German before departing in January as the 2013 Broome Rotary Exchange student.

Antonio, 17, arrived in Broome in August and has been immersing himself in local culture, perfecting his English and studying hard at school.

Now halfway through his exchange, Antonio said he was getting used to the hot climate and cultural differences.

“It’s been a great experience,” he said. “It’s a lot warmer than I thought and I’m used to having a nap in the afternoons.”

Brazilian students attended school in the mornings until midday and slept in the middle of the day, he said.

As well as showing his soccer skills, Antonio has enjoyed many excursions, including a trip to Windjana Gorge and a fishing expedition in Fitzroy.

An aspiring medic, the student said he was learning a lot academically, including English and hoped to get into university in the near future.

Outbound student Eva Mitchell was chosen by Broome Rotary to be the 2013 “ambassador” for Broome.

Broome Rotary president Graeme Atherton said Eva would be a great ambassador for the town and was chosen for her confidence and ability to adapt to change.

The Broome Senior High School graduate said she was looking forward to spending a year in Germany, and developed a taste for travelling during St Mary’s College’s drama group excursions.

Eva said the trip would provide lots of exciting opportunities including learning more about World War II and the Holocaust. The student said she would leave for her 12-month trip in January.