‘‘It was amazing — almost indescribable,’’ Caitlin said.
With nothing but second-hand memories from her only overseas trip as a young child, Caitlin jumped at the opportunity of becoming an exchange student when offered the chance by the Rotary Club of Kyabram.
‘‘Tatura’s so small and I love to travel — to see different cultures, languages and get out and explore.’’
Caitlin said travelling there at the beginning of last year, she was unsure of exactly what to expect, but was happy to be placed with a family who welcomed her as one of their own.
She said although things were far different from her everyday surroundings in Tatura, the city of St Gallen quickly felt like home.
‘‘There’s a lot of old buildings — They were really different, but cool,’’ she said.
While school kept her busy, with Friday classes consuming most of her day from 8am to 6pm, Caitlin said with the use of public transport she was able to visit places she had only dreamed of.
‘‘There were so many gorgeous places in Switzerland — it’s a beautiful country,’’ she said.
Cailtin said a highlight destination from the trip was a restaurant on the side of a mountain where she enjoyed the breath-taking view and traditional Swiss food.
Besides seeing many of the country’s best destinations, Caitlin said she greatly valued the opportunity to meet new people.
‘‘Meeting everyone was a highlight for me — I’m not really that much of a social person, but when you’re there it brings out the best in you — I was so social,’’ she said.
She said she would strongly encourage any students who were considering going on an exchange trip.
‘‘I would recommend it 100 per cent — it’s the best opportunity possible,’’ she said.
‘‘It really changes you in a way — you become more confident.’’
Since returning earlier this month Caitlin said she was ready to go back to Switzerland.
‘‘I keep on thinking that I’m going to go back,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s weird to think that it’s over.’’
Now preparing for Year 10 at Kyabram P-12 College, Caitlin said she planned to finish Year 12 in three years’ time and ideally take a gap year to travel before beginning university where she hoped to pursue a career in the art field.
