Country of International Students
of Western Australia (CISWA) and APEX Geraldton had invited 12 international
students to experience a weekend living with an Australian family in regional
Western Australia – Geraldton from 4 – 6
September 2015.
The students from TAFE, Curtin
University and University of Western Australia departed Perth on Friday morning
from the East Perth Terminal. Paul Dyer – The president of The Apex Club of
Geraldton, Ron Shepherd and Fish welcomed the students at Geraldton Bus
Station. The journey started by visiting Shipwrecks Gallery that offers a fascinating
maritime history of the famous Batavia ship. Then, they visited the lobster
factory. The students cannot hide their amazement after seeing hundred of rock
lobsters. A must visit place in Geraldton, the HMAS Sydney II Memorial was the
perfect place for taking the first group photo of all the students and host families.
The students had a great night with all host families in a welcoming BBQ in one
of the host family’s houses. Warm chats and laughs were coloring the long night.
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| Group photo of 12 international students and host families in HMAS Sydney II Memorial |
Having such a nice weather on Saturday
morning was a perfect time to play sand boarding in Southgates sand dunes. Some
of students experience the sand boarding for the first time. They look afraid
yet excited to try breathtaking sandboarding. Afterwards, Greenough Wildlife & Bird Park was the next
destination. The students had a great opportunity to feed kangaroo, pet the joeys
and cuddle a big python.
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| The excitement of the students in Southgates sand dunes |
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| Trying sandboarding for the first time |
The highlight event was
multicultural dinner. Various traditional foods had been prepared by the
students. They proudly introduce their famous dishes from their home countries.
It was a unique experience to taste the delicacy from all over the world. However,
the excitement did not stop. The students joyfully participated in various games.
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| The students proudly served the delicacy from their home countries |
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| Great teamwork!! |
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| The famous Smarties Games |
In the next day, the writer had a
great opportunity to visit the iconic Geraldton light house and Sunday Market that
offers various foods and local handcrafts. Then, all the students and their
host families having a great morning tea and taking family photos in the Pioneer
Memorial Picnic Area.
Finally, the students should say
goodbye to their host families. Hug and kiss from the families escort their journey
to Perth. These 12 international students surely had a great and unforgettable
weekend in Geraldton. Thanks to CISWA and APEX for organizing this event. The
writer had a hundred reasons to recommend this event to other international
students. Special thanks to Sherwood family, the writer’s host family for the
warm welcome and hospitality.
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| Having lovely people as the host! Sherwood family |
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| Last picture in APEX Pioneer Memorial Picnic Area |
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| Souvenirs from Geraldton |
Photo courtesy:
CISWA Country Hospitality- Geraldton 2015 Facebook Page
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