Sebastian, left, and Angela Mezzino, right, welcomed exchange student Elisabeth Heinz to their home and are embracing her German culture.
Elisabeth Heinz, 17, worked really hard to have her dream of being an exchange student in Australia come true.
The German girl from Bavaria is a Rotary exchange student and will spend one year living in Port Pirie.
She was welcomed to our town by host parents Sebastian and Angela Mezzino three weeks ago and in this short period of time, she already feels part of the family.
“I am so happy to be here and to be part of this family,” she said.
“I chose three countries I would like to go and Australia was my first choice. The other two countries were Brazil and India.
“I always thought Australia was an interesting country and people here were laid back and not as stressed.”
In Port Pirie, Elisabeth is attending St Mark’s College as a Year 11 student.
“I am finding the school here much easier than in Germany because the students get to pick what subjects they want.”
“Making friends has been easy too. I am loving everything!”
Elisabeth is the third exchange student the Mezzino family welcomed to their home.
“We really enjoy the whole exchange process and to be able to witness how much they learn and grow through the year,” Mr Mezzino said.
“We are very proud of Elisabeth and how hard she worked to get here. She is a mature 17-year-old and we really enjoy having her here and want her to have a good time.”
Mr and Mrs Mezzino said they also understand the responsibility of looking after someone else’s child.
“We had our son living overseas so we know how hard it is for a parent,” they said.
“It is more responsibility looking after an exchange student than our own children. We want to make sure she is safe and happy.”
Elisabeth will stay with the Mezzinos
for three months and will have two other host families while in Pirie.
