About the exchange...
The Sutherland Lakewood Student Exchange Program is now asking for enquiries from Sutherland Shire Students who would like to apply for next years student exchange program. We are looking for students who will be in Year 9; (in 2010) and who live and attend High School in the Sutherland Shire. On this exchange you will spend 6 months living with an exchange partner & his or her family in Colorado U.S.A between July 2011 & January 2012. You will attend an American High School & maybe experience a white Christmas. You & your family will then host your American partner between January & July 2012.
Who can apply?
To apply you must in year 9 this year (2010) in a high school in the Sutherland Shire. You must also live in the Sutherland Shire.
What will I do in America?
You will have the time of your life! You will attend an American High school, have the chance to compete in an American sport or other school activity. You will spend time camping, hiking and Skiing the rocky mountains, visit the Grand Canyon , maybe have a white Christmas, and if all goes well spend a few days in Disneyland on the way home.
What happens when I return home?
You will have a chance to show how great Australia is to your American partner.
How much will all this cost my parents?
The main costs are airfares and insurance (approx $4000). For the ski weekend, Grand Canyon Week and Disneyland trip allow about another $3000-$4000. The cost of your schooling and board is covered by the American Family as you will pay for the American Student whilst he or she is in Australia. In past years a very large percentage of all these costs have been covered by fund raising before you leave. This fund raising is a very important part of the exchange.
How many students are selected?
This depends on the number of students applying both in Sutherland and Lakewood. In past years it has varied between 3 and 12.
What do I need to do to get there?
1. Attend an information night which is advertised in the Leader newspaper and held at the Council Chambers in November and early February each year.
2. Fill out an application Form . This tells us a lot about you, your likes and dislikes.
3. Attend a number of interviews and social events, where we will will get to know you further.
What happens if I am selected?
Once you are selected, the hard work begins. There is fund raising, and also social events to meet the other students (these will be your support group whilst you are away.) You will also complete a Toastmasters course.
When does all this happen?
The first information night is in November, but there maybe others. We would like the application back before the end of the year. Selection takes place after school returns.
You will find out about Easter time if you have been selected. Between Easter and July there is fundraising, toastmasters and preparation. You will leave for Lakewood at the end of July, returning in January, and your partner will return to Lakewood in July 2012.
Where is Lakewood?
Lakewood is a City in Jefferson County, Denver, Colorado . Lakewood is the Sister City to the Sutherland Shire. The student exchange is open to all residents of Jefferson County. Denver has 5 counties, Jefferson County is to the west of Central Denver and includes Cities such as Evergreen, Arvada, Golden and Littleton which are located at the foot of the Rocky mountains.
Online Enquiry Form
First name:
Last name:
Address:
Email:
Contact no:
Other information:
School year in 2009:
A coordinator of the exchange will get back to you as soon as possible!