Caroline Marion, 2013 South Queensland student blogger, writes:

June 21

The next week went by incredibly fast. I guess the saying ‘time flies when you’re having fun’ proves itself to be true. We went back to Brisbane and remained there for four days before heading to our farm stays. Brisbane time involved completing our assignments, and of course, going into the city for shopping along with eating some delicious food before we departed again!

Wild kangaroos

On our way to our farm stays, everyone was very solemn and quiet. It was evident that we were all a little anxious and nervous about what the stay with our Australian family would involve. In each home, there would be at least two students so that added a bit of comfort. Eventually, we all met our families and off we were. I was with two fellow students named Erin and Ashley. Our farm stay family had a farm about ten minutes away and also owned a window shop located in the local town.

We spent our day shopping the nearby stores while they continued work, and then returned to their home. First of all, wow. Australian backcountry is absolutely breathtaking. I live on a farm back home, but it is so vast and open here. Not to mention incredibly sustainable! They had windmills, scrap buckets, rain barrels, etc.

Upon arrival, our farm stay mother took us on a walk with their two dogs (yes…finally! I am such a dog lover and was beyond ready to spend some time with a few). We saw a wild group of kangaroos and a genuine Australian sunset. As we looked to the horizon, Erin, Ashley and I talked about how lucky we truly were to be there in that moment.

Our farm stay family was nothing short of amazing and cooked us authentic, mouthwatering meals. They were very interested in our politics, religions, geography and everyday life. It was so neat to see how two countries so far away, still all in all go through the same aspects of life. We finished the night by being treated to hot cakes and ice cream along with a movie. It was such a nice end to the day. Plus, our bedroom had a heater that night! It was a luxury after the cold we encountered in Lamington National Park! Our classmates and we felt very fortunate for the chance to personally bond with a local family.