Annic Arnold with her first host parents, Richard and Laurelle Van Leeuwen, who warmly welcomed her to Corowa.
The Rotary Club of Corowa recently bid farewell to Annic Arnold, a 17-year-old Rotary exchange student from Cham, Switzerland, whose extraordinary journey over the past year has left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
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Over the past 12 months, Annic has immersed herself in the Australian culture, forging unforgettable memories and friendships. At the club’s weekly meeting last Wednesday, she shared her transformative journey with the club members, reflecting on the wonderful experiences that have shaped her year in Corowa and Australia.
Annic's arrival in Australia was a significant moment, filled with excitement and a touch of apprehension. She was greeted in Melbourne by Laurelle Van Leeuwen. (her first host mum) and Kerrie Crawford (her mentor), who would become pivotal figures during her exchange.
Corowa Rotary Club President Bill Bott and Swiss exchange student Annic Arnold pictured at the beginning of her year long tenure in Australia.
“It was very emotional coming to Australia,” Annic recalled.
“Being welcomed by Laurelle and Kerrie made me feel at home.”
Throughout her exchange, Annic had the opportunity to explore various parts of Australia, participating in several enriching activities and trips that showcased the country's diverse landscapes and cultures.
Among her highlights were a four-day safari to Airlie Beach, where she bonded with fellow exchange students over shared experiences and adventures, and a second safari to Sydney, where she travelled by train and experienced the city's iconic landmarks.
One of the most remarkable experiences for Annic was her trip to the Red Centre, exploring Uluru and Alice Springs.
Despite being a vegetarian, she embraced the local culture by trying kangaroo and camel meat.
She described the extreme temperatures, the thrill of sleeping under the stars, hearing dingoes at night, and visiting a local school where Indigenous students taught them their language and culture. “Everything could come and attack us,” she laughed.
Another highlight was her trip to Kangaroo Island, where the freezing temperatures and wildlife experiences added another dimension to her adventure.
In addition to these trips, Annic attended four orientation weekends, each offering its own set of memorable moments. The first orientation weekend, held in Corowa, set the tone for her exchange where she was able to build initial friendships.
Annic integrated into the local community seamlessly, attending Corowa High School, where she made lasting connections with both students and teachers.
One of her standout experiences was participating in the Debutante Ball, an event she described as the “absolute highlight of my exchange. I would do it again.”
The Debutante Ball, a practice unheard of back in Switzerland, provided Annic with a unique cultural experience, allowing her to bond with her peers.
Her time in Australia was also filled with various activities that enriched her exchange experience. From golfing and camping to surfing, Annic embraced every opportunity. She also cherished moments spent on the Murray River and participated in lamb marking with President Bill Bott.
Expressing her gratitude, Annic thanked the Rotary Club of Corowa and her host families for their support and hospitality.
“Thank you to the club; I feel at home. To my host families — thank you for letting me into your lives and to Kerrie, my counsellor. You are all my best friends. Special thank you to Meredith Miegel for everything to do with the exchange,” Annic said.
Annic also acknowledged her parents, Jack and Daniela, and her two older siblings.
“Thanks to my parents. I never thought I would exchange, always being homesick when I was younger,” she admitted.
“I’ve had the best time, and I’ll definitely come back. Come back and visit me too,” she concluded.
Corowa Rotary President Bill Bott shared his thoughts on Annic’s year with the club.
"On behalf of the Rotary Club of Corowa, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Annic Arnold for her extraordinary year with us,” he said.
“We've been truly blessed to have her as part of our community. Her parents, Jack and Daniela, should be incredibly proud of the significant contribution she has made.
“Annic has been a wonderful ambassador for Switzerland, and her involvement has enriched our club immensely. Annic’s poise and confidence have been remarkable.
“She wholeheartedly engaged in all activities, bringing enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to everything she participated in.
“Our club has been enriched by her presence, and we have no doubt that the knowledge and experiences she has gained here will serve her well throughout her life.
“It has been a great deal of pleasure having Annic with us. As a token of our appreciation, we are pleased to present a gift to her parents and a special bottle for Annic’s 21st birthday in 2028.
“We wish her all the best in her future endeavours and look forward to seeing all the wonderful things she will achieve."
Annic's father, Jack Arnold, also expressed his gratitude.
“My wife Daniela and I are grateful to have had the opportunity to visit Corowa and bring our daughter Annic home,” he said.
“We want to say a thank you to everyone who has been a part of Annic’s journey here. We’ve seen a lot of emotions from her over the past year, and we are so proud of her.
“Honestly, we didn’t believe she would do it, especially given how homesick she used to get. Annic has had an amazing year, and we couldn’t be prouder of her.
