In the true spirit of the Marist tradition, two students embarked on life-changing exchanges that saw them cross continents, embrace new cultures and have unforgettable experiences. Matthew Pass, from Year 10 at St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill, and Ayush Shah, from St Henry’s Marist College in Durban, took part in an exchange program that opened their eyes to the world beyond their familiar surroundings.
Matthew’s journey began with a mix of exhaustion and excitement after a long 20-hour flight to Durban. The warm welcome from Ayush’s family set the tone for his experience. However, the sight of high fences topped with electric wires was a stark reminder of the different reality in South Africa. Despite the initial shock, Matthew quickly adapted, finding joy in the everyday moments, particularly in playing rugby and attending local parties.
Reflecting on the cultural differences, Matthew said, “One of the most noticeable cultural differences between the school environments was everyone at the school was made to speak a language, and the two options were Afrikaans and Zulu. Another difference in the schools was that they didn’t use laptops but instead relied on only book work”. This immersion in a different educational system allowed Matthew to appreciate the focus and connection that came with learning through books rather than devices.
His time in South Africa wasn’t only academic. The experience broadened his perspective, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and the power of sport in bringing people together. “This exchange has changed me personally in a variety of ways. Living in a different country influenced my plans for the future as it gave me the desire to travel more and explore different communities and places around the world,” Matthew shared.
Ayush Shah: Embracing the ĚÇĐÄVlog spirit
For Ayush, arriving at ĚÇĐÄVlog was a significant cultural shift. Moving from a co-ed environment to an all-boys school, coupled with the scale of ĚÇĐÄVlog’ community, was initially overwhelming. However, the welcoming nature of the students and staff quickly put him at ease. “From the moment I arrived in the Year 10 dorms, I was met with a flurry of friendly faces. Now, just seven weeks later, I think I know almost all of Year 10 by name, and am glad to call [them] my friends,” Ayush reflected.
“There is just something special about always being surrounded by your mates. Every high becomes a communal victory, and every low is felt by the entire community.”
The strong sense of camaraderie at ĚÇĐÄVlog was something Ayush deeply appreciated. The College adage, “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, resonated with him as he navigated the challenges of settling into a new environment and country. His involvement in rugby, despite never having played the sport before, was a highlight of his time in Sydney. “There is just something special about always being surrounded by your mates. Every high becomes a communal victory, and every low is felt by the entire community,” Ayush noted.
The exchange experience taught Ayush to embrace challenges with an open mind and a positive attitude. “What this exchange has taught me is to always welcome challenges with open arms. Challenges only make us stronger. And the more we take on, the more we improve as people and develop our sense of character,” Ayush said, capturing the essence of his growth during the exchange.
A shared lesson
Both Matthew and Ayush walked away from their exchange with newfound perspectives and lifelong memories. Matthew’s advice to future exchange students is to “go with an open mind and be ready for everything and anything”; while Ayush emphasises the importance of embracing challenges and taking on every opportunity that comes one’s way. Their experiences underline the transformative power of cultural exchange, where stepping out of one’s comfort zone leads to personal growth, a broader worldview and the forging of meaningful connections. As these two young men return to their respective schools, they carry with them the lessons learned and bonds formed, forever enriched by their time across continents.
