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Month: April 2024

An Aussie’s Swiss exchange experience

An Aussie’s Swiss exchange experience

We had the chance to see Switzerland afresh through the eyes of someone discovering it for the first time.

Campbell’s parents informed us of their departure to the airport. It was their turn as parents to let go and the message stirred deep empathy within us. Campbell faced a lengthy journey from Perth to Dubai and onward to Zurich, where he would spend six weeks as part of the exchange program.

The 15-year-old Scotch College Perth student embarked on a 24-hour journey from Perth to Zurich via Dubai. Customs in Perth contacted Campbell’s father as a precautionary measure to verify his awareness of his son’s departure from his home country.

Flight from Perth to Zurich

On early Saturday morning, we learned from his mother that travel sickness had made the first part of Campbell’s flight challenging. It was reassuring to hear about the attentive care the Emirates flight crew provided throughout the journey. Upon arrival in Dubai, a medical doctor was waiting to assist him, providing suitable medication for the onward flight to Zurich.

After arriving in Zurich, he retired to bed early that night. However, due to the time difference, he was wide awake at four o’clock the following morning, needing time to acclimate. On Sunday, we strolled through the forest, and Zander guided him through our village and showed him the school.

Part of our family

Campbell quickly endeared himself to us. He effortlessly found common ground and connected with each of us. His curiosity was evident in his questions, seeking to understand his new environment. His interactions were respectful, and it was clear that he had a loving upbringing. Since their exchange was approved, he and Zander had already begun communicating, so they were not strangers to each other. They discussed their observations, comparing infrastructure, legislation, and landscapes between their countries.

Campbell had three wishes during his time in Switzerland as part of an exchange – to experience snow, savour cheese fondue, and immerse himself in the sounds of French spoken by native speakers.

We indulged in cheese fondue for Sunday lunch, fulfilling one of his desires. Despite finding the cheese stronger than anticipated, he still relished the experience. The following weekend, we introduced him to Raclette, which he thoroughly enjoyed, eagerly asking if we could repeat the experience.

Lake Zurich

One of Zander’s big wishes was to show Campbell Zurich city and to swim in the lake with him. I could only laugh at the two 15-year-olds shivering from the cold as they had to pull themselves together to brave the 12-degree lake water. A hot chocolate drink by the lake helped warm them up afterwards.

ICSZ school

Campbell is accustomed to wearing a school uniform and was thrilled to attend school in regular clothes for six weeks. I believe the presence of the exchange teacher and the principal, originally from Australia, added an extra positive touch to his welcoming experience.

Since he is in a boys’ school, having the girls in the class with them was also a new experience. He experienced the other students as welcoming. Campbell is very good at Maths, and we were grateful that he and Zander could prepare for their Maths test together and got good marks.

During his time in Switzerland, the school also presented a TEDx Youth event with ICS students as speakers. It was the first time we attended such an event in person.

Snow experience

Campbell’s greatest wish was to witness snow for the first time. However, the weather warmed quickly after his arrival. Determined to fulfil his dream, we took him to the mountains on the first weekend. Thankfully, Arosa still boasted plenty of snow, allowing Campbell and Zander to ride the ski lifts into the Alps and sledge back down. Campbell’s sheer excitement at the sight of snow made the excursion immensely gratifying for us.

His enthusiasm soared to new heights when snow unexpectedly began to fall in April. Eager to immerse himself in the wintry wonderland, he couldn’t wait to step outside. Some of his teachers even permitted him to venture outdoors during class to enjoy the snow. He engaged in spirited snowball fights with his classmates during lunchtime.

Swiss cultural experience

During Campbell’s time in Switzerland, the spring festival took place. It is a centuries-old tradition that is a vivid cultural experience. People in historical costumes, musical ensembles and horses decorated with flowers and flags gather around the Böögg, which looks like a snowman and symbolizes winter. They lit the pyre carrying the Böögg on top At 18:00.

According to folklore, the speed at which the fire engulfs the snowman figure and explodes his head, filled with crackers, foretells the quality of the approaching summer. Due to a gale-force wind, they could not set the snowman on fire for the first time in history.

The French region in Switzerland

Campbell, who studies French as a second language at school, was eager to put his language skills to the test in a French-speaking region. Thus, we embarked on a train journey to the Romandie region, a three-hour trip that condensed our day. Although time was limited, we made the most of our visit, exploring highlights such as the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, strolling along the lake from Montreux to the Chateau de Chillon, and indulging in chocolate crepes in Vevey.

Campbell was thrilled that he could understand the language, eagerly translating signs and conversing with locals in French. His excitement was contagious, sparking joy in our hearts. We have planned a trip to Paris together to experience more French culture during the long weekend in May.

Here is a music video featuring additional photos from the first two weeks of experiences.

There is still so much more we are excited to show and experiences we want to share with Campbell during the remainder of his time in Switzerland before he and Zander fly to Perth.

Kind regards

Emsia

A life story expressed in metaphors

A life story expressed in metaphors

Metaphors are powerful and can serve as valuable tools when we attempt to articulate intricate ideas for which we do not have the right words. When we incorporate metaphors into conversations or writing, they stimulate the imagination and facilitate the communication of emotions and impressions. Using metaphors, we can present familiar concepts in fresh, vibrant perspectives, subtly reshaping cognitive frameworks.

Recently, I participated in an exercise that challenged us to narrate significant aspects of our life journeys using symbols and metaphors. We were limited to five metaphors. It was a challenging task that forced me to think differently.

I chose the following five metaphors to represent aspects of my life story.

Metaphor 1 – Camel thorn pod

The first symbol I selected is the pod of a camel thorn tree. My roots trace back to Kathu in the Kalahari, nestled within a Camel Thorn Forest. The pod symbolises the security and nurturing environment I found in my parents’ home and community during my formative years. Our lifestyle was humble, grounded in a close connection to the earth.

The pod also represents versatility. Apart from nurturing new saplings, we harvested them for animal feed and as fuel for fires. Life in the Kalahari cultivated our problem-solving abilities and fostered a culture of innovation. Our parents instilled a strong work ethic and expected us to contribute to household chores. As a result, we have mastered several basic skills that have stayed with us throughout our lives.

Metaphor 2 – Calculator

The calculator symbolises the calculated way I approached my young adult life. I harboured specific notions about the trajectory of my life, particularly as a woman, envisioning how my career, marriage, and family would harmonise. Similarly to the processing by a calculator, I anticipated automatic outcomes to these aspects of my life.

Furthermore, the calculator embodies my career path within the financial sector. I worked at an auditing and accounting firm, assisting organisations in ensuring their financial statements reflect their financial health. However, I soon realised that while I thrived in the business world, my satisfaction stemmed from interactions with clients and colleagues rather than the tasks themselves. The outcomes in my profession deviated significantly from my initial expectations. The situation in my marriage was similar.

Metaphor 3 – Watering can

Gardening has always been a therapeutic outlet for me, offering valuable lessons. Among them, I have observed how a struggling plant in one part of my garden can thrive in a different environment with nourishment and ample water. This metaphor resonated deeply with me. Through tending to my garden, I have come to understand that my life’s purpose resembles that of a watering can. It is an instrument in the hands of God entrusted with nurturing others’ growth with love and care.

My journey began with an investment in my personal development through a Life Coaching course. The newfound knowledge and insight equipped me to help facilitate growth in other people. Initially, my focus turned to my children. Subsequently, after discussing my perspective with my boss, he facilitated a transition in my role at work. In my new role, I could actively contribute to the personal development of others. This shift brought me immense personal fulfilment.

Metaphor 4 – Pen

I discovered the enjoyment and value of writing early in my life. Writing is a valuable way to deal with the emotions that threaten to overwhelm me. It helps me make sense of what I feel. The paper or computer screen does not give advice. It listens without interruption and helps me gain perspective and answers. As we navigate life in Switzerland, my bi-weekly letters help me make sense of events, stay connected with people close to my heart, and preserve memories.

I realised that writing also allows me to impact other people’s lives with words. I plan to publish an eBook entitled Letters Home In the next few months. In it, I will explore the depths of our internal and external experiences and growth as a South African family living in a foreign country. I have weaved together the tapestry of our emotions, thoughts, and cultural encounters of our lives abroad.

Metaphor 5 – Clock

A clock serves as the perfect metaphor for our time spent in Switzerland. The environment epitomises structure and order, punctuality, and systems operating with Swiss precision. 

The initial fifty years of my life felt like a perpetual race against time. The situation has changed with our move to Switzerland. I received the one thing I had always yearned for — time. Focussing on my well-being and growth, I considered things that feed my heart and soul. I thought about ways to stay healthy and considered the knowledge and skills I wanted to expand. The process became a journey of self-discovery and intentional living.

The duration of our time in Switzerland is uncertain. It is a gift that could conclude abruptly at any moment and we see it as borrowed time.

The metaphor exercise helped me to think about my life story in pictures. Which items carry enough meaning as metaphors for you to summarise significant aspects of your life?

If a picture is worth a thousand words, a metaphor is worth a thousand pictures.

Regards

Emsia

Letting go is part of parenting

Letting go is part of parenting

As a mom who has guided two teenagers into young adulthood, one might assume I would be better prepared for Zanders’ request. However, his suggestion to address a need to stretch himself still caught me off guard. I needed to evaluate my 15-year-old son’s needs objectively. It was helpful to reflect on my adult sons` needs, actions and development when they were around the same age.

Jacques

The first request of my eldest son that caught me off guard came during his grade 11 year. Jacques wanted to go on a teenage holiday with his best friend and peers. The plan involved his friend’s older brother, a student, driving them 400km to Hartenbos. It was a situation I hadn’t encountered before, and my mind raced with concerns about potential risks. I made a quick decision and said no.

The friend’s mom drew on her expertise as a psychologist and reassured me in a message. She acknowledged that it is common for parents to feel and react this way, especially with their oldest child. She assured me that all the young people involved were responsible and that they could benefit by taking steps toward independence. I still remember her comment that a mother’s perspective and approach to such situations often evolve when dealing with a second and third child.

However, before making a final decision, I needed to step back and apply my analytical approach. My request marked Jacques’ first significant lesson in understanding the concept of risks and the importance of implementing control measures. I asked him to compile a list of all the concerns I might have regarding his proposed trip. Additionally, for each risk identified, he was tasked with suggesting measures that would alleviate my worries. To my surprise, Jacques put considerable effort into my request and generated solutions for potential concerns beyond what I had anticipated.

In addition to enjoying a memorable holiday, Jacques unexpectedly benefited from his efforts in a completely different manner. A question on the English Grade 12 final exam paper required students to write a letter of motivation persuading parents to permit them to go on a Grade 12 holiday with friends.

Christo

Christo had a bustling social calendar, and ferrying him around became a regular task. In a bid for independence, he proposed a motorcycle, which ended up causing me premature ageing. One night, when he failed to return home on time, my mind raced with visions of a potential accident.

My anxiety kept Charl awake as well. Sensing my distress, he offered to help me contact the emergency units of various hospitals. The first hospital we reached had just admitted a casualty from a motorcycle accident. However, upon learning that the patient spoke English, I realised it was not Christo. It took a lot of self-control to wait till the following day before I was in a better emotional state to share my experience and perspective of the situation with him.

During his grade 11 year, Christo wanted to participate in an outreach program to Zambia. Africa scared me, but the fact that it was a school-organized trip gave me more comfort. It proved to be an incredible opportunity to broaden his perspective on the world.

While there, the young participants stayed with Zambian families, immersing themselves in the local culture. Christo recounted stories of joining the family’s children in catching a chicken for dinner, plucking it, and adding it to the pot. Despite having limited resources, the Zambian hosts treated their visitors with the utmost hospitality. They offered them the meat while they consumed only maize porridge with the meat sauce. This experience deeply touched my teenage son’s compassionate heart.

Zander

Zander wanted to participate in an exchange program offered through the Round Square organization at his school. The arrangement enabled a student from another country to stay with us for six weeks, attending school alongside Zander. Subsequently, Zander reciprocates the visit, spending six weeks in the student’s home country, attending their school. Since Zander yearned for the ocean, he was thrilled when the exchange matched him with a student his age from Perth, allowing him to attend a school near the coast.

The idea of sending my 15-year-old son alone on a plane to Australia to live with strangers for six weeks was daunting. We promptly arranged an online meeting with the family to ease my apprehension. Following our virtual encounter, I felt significantly reassured. There was an immediate connection, and their way of life felt familiar.

We are eagerly anticipating Campbell’s arrival in Zurich just after the Easter weekend. He is excited to experience snow for the first time and wants to practice his French, which he is taking as an Additional Language in school. We have promised to take him to the Alps to experience snow and to visit a French-speaking area in Switzerland. Campbell was thrilled to learn we had booked train tickets for a long weekend trip to Paris.

Scotch College, Perth

Zander and Campbell will fly to Perth together in May. Zander will be attending Scotch College Boys’ School along with Campbell. He will wear the school uniform and join the Chapel service once a week. Additionally, Zander will participate in the hall assembly on Fridays, witnessing the boys marching in house groups to the tunes of the College Pipe Band. Renowned for its excellence, the College Pipe Band frequently performs at International Tattoos.

In addition, Zander will participate in the school’s mandatory sports and community service programs. The latter offers students a chance to express their Christian values in a tangible way in practice. Scotch College works with various organisations, including, among others, Disabled Surfing, Second Bite (which redistributes food), Salvation Army, and People Who Care.

Letting our children go is an act of love

I am happy that my children are challenging themselves. In the process, they also challenge me and help me to grow and discover the world through their experiences.

Our challenge, as parents, is to recognise that holding on may feel comforting. Letting our children go and allowing them to grow and flourish is a profound act of love. We must support and celebrate their increasing independence. When they are confident in their ability to stand on their own feet, they will return, and we will have an enduring bond of loving interdependence that lasts a lifetime.

Regards

Emsia