March Orientation Meeting

Learning "Home Among The Gum Trees"

It is Monday and I am still digesting the information from yesterdays (March 18) meeting.  Going over information such as emergency contact information, time change, flights, and money.  WOW!!   Of course, we were told since all is paid for they can get on the plane and spend nothing and be just fine, but if they want to buy something to remember things are very different as far as cost.  Australia's dollar is a match for ours but it is actually like going to Six Flags or the Movies when you buy something.  We were told to go ahead and get money exchanged here before going.  There are places to exchange there but they may not necessarily have the time to do so right away.  We were also told if the students are bringing credit cards which ones would be best.  Definitely no Travelers Checks and American Express is difficult to use.  Australians also frown upon buying a drink and asking for cash back from a debit card.  We went over the time change (15 hours ahead) and times that we could call or text.  We were told not to call everyday though because it will make the home sickness worse.  They don't want to cut off communication but just stretch the umbilical cord a little.  We will have a phone tree too.  The leaders will send an email everyday of their activities.  We also learned that when flying we will not get to go to the gate.  They will have us meet in one area and then they leave as a group through security.  (tearing up as I write this) :)  They will fly from ATL to Las Angeles and then to Australia and pretty much the same for the return trip.

When buying souvenirs they told us to have a plan and you really have to think.  You could go with a $10 boomerang in a tourist shop or spend $500 on one that is handmade.  We are having that discussion with Kaitlyn right now to be mindful of what she wants if she has any spending money.

We also touched on the Family Home Stay part of the program.  Now as a mom I am a little nervous,  ok a lot nervous.  We were told the students could be paired or be by themselves with a family.  They did tell us the families are screened and interviewed and that there is a password in case there are any issues.  But, lets face it this is my daughter and she is already so far away from home.  They told the students they will not remove them from the family if the student is just not liking the food.  After all, that is what they are there to do is experience the culture.  We were told that the families are really excited about being able to share their culture but more interested in learning about ours.  We also discussed a personal gift to leave for the home stay families.  Kaitlyn has decided to leave a photo book about her and our family with favorite things she likes to do and recipes she enjoys eating.  We will put postcards of different places around Atlanta in it as well. 

The kids had to bring in their science displays (homework).  They set them up and were given questions on each display from prepared questions submitted by the students as they worked on their projects.  They had to go around and study the boards and answer the questions.  They also started to learn a song that they are generally taught upon arrival, (it has hand motions) but Ms. Karen wants to get a jump start on it as a surprise.  The song is called "Home Among The Gum Trees".

The students and parents had to sign the student contract that the students came up with at the last meeting.

I am sure there is a lot more information but I can't think of it right now.  Her homework for our next meeting in May is:  A current event to share with everyone (yes she has to stand on the stage with a microphone), a packed suitcase, service hours, and a camera.  They will have camera practice.  She said this is so the students know how to use it in case it is new.  On a previous trip they were almost kicked out of a building because the there was no flash photography and a student took a picture and you guessed it the flash went off.  All the student could say was I am sorry I don't know how to turn it off.  I guess I need to decide if I am sending her with mine so she can learn how to use it.  That will be her dad's job because I am still learning myself. lol