18 year old Amira El Hachimi left her Mum & Dad and twin 13 year old sisters to head to Australia on an exchange program.

From the little town of Olten in Switzerland to the vast desert of Broken Hill, Australia that is one amazing journey for a young lady to experience. 

As I was involved in a musical back home at the start of 2012 my "exchange" choices were pretty much only Australia. How lucky was I as its been just a fantastic experience, I love the laid back "no worries" approach of the Aussies!

I have been attending Willyama High School (yr 11) and residing with Karen Kemp although I am changing "families" this week to stay with a new friend. The friendliness of the people, the hot weather and the pool have been special memories. 

I have had a few funny experiences along the way....I recall my host Brother talking to me in the car we were travelling in and he turned around and continued to chat which scared me as I thought he was driving....I then remembered he steering wheel is on the other side "down under"

I also met some people from Olten, who live just down the street from me back home, but I have never met them until we met in Broken Hill ....on the other side of the world!

I really suk at footy but love it ....its all about the team and the friendships!

I skype back home to my family every Sunday and we send emails and parcels so I don't feel lonely at all.  I have also stayed in touch with my friends back home the same way. 

I have had such a wondeful experience and I would encourage Broken Hill students to consider doing an exchange and for Families to consider "hosting" ...it's and enrichment for everybody, you learn a lot about people and it is such a joyful time!

Thank you Broken Hill from the Swiss Miss!