An obsession with country music and driving huge pickup trucks.
That’s how Emily Bretz, a 16-year-old junior high school student, from the capital city of Brisbane in the state of Queensland, Australia describes her impressions of America.
‘I just can’t stand hearing that music anymore,? laughs Bretz, who arrived in January to Brandon Township and lives with host family Debbie and Denny Gaves the ASSE international student exchange program. ‘The whole vibe of the country is a lot different than what I had expected. Australia is very slow, relaxed and laid-back’so friendly. Americans are very intense with friendliness in a good way. It’s easy to feel comfortable here, I love all the people I’ve met and have felt very welcome here. It’s easy to hang out with Americans.?
Bretz was born in Chester, England. Her father Caul, an ophthalmologist, and mother Therese, a nurse, moved to Brisbane when she was 10 months old. She also has a brother, Henry, 19, and younger sister Alice, 14.
‘I live near the intercity of Brisbane, about five minutes from downtown on the banks of the Brisbane River,? she said. ‘It’s a big city? still it’s actually crazy how they know each other. In comparison, Sydney, Australia is just overwhelming. We are far more friendly in Brisbane. It’s more laid-back, too
For the past six years Bretz has attended All Hallows, a private Catholic all girls primary school in Brisbane.
‘The best part of the school is that you make good friends,? she said. ‘There’s no competition between girls, it’s like we are all sisters. There’s one group(of girls) that’s boy crazy, people talk about boys, but there’s no fighting. The lowlight of the school is that they are very feminist’way over the edge. We need to be more about equality than feminists, it’s like they are trying to make you better than men.?
‘My school is also very strict on uniforms,? she added. ‘We have to wear hats, they have uniform checks, too, and we take a lot of pride in that. It takes the pressure off of what to put on for school each day.?
She also is been a member of the All Hallows four person rowing team since the eighth grade.
‘When we get to the eleventh grade we go the eight person boat’it really teaches team work,? she said. ‘It’s a lot tougher with eight on the team, too. I also play net ball at All Hallows’it’s a girl dominated sport, a lot like basketball. They don’t play it much here in the United States. ?
Bretz had worked at the Oxford Street Bakery before she left Brisbane for the United States in January.
‘It was a part-time job and small business,? she said. ‘I loved working there.?
‘Everything is bigger here in America and there is so much to eat,? she said. ‘In Australia we are really into fresh produce like vegetables and fruit. It’s also very hot and humid in Brisbane and plenty of fresh food year-round.. There’s one McDonald’s in my (Brisbane) neighborhood compared to everywhere here. There’s a lot of chain restaurants here rather than just little cafes. Americans put cheese and butter on everything, lots of cream and oil and grease. I did have a s’more for the first time and just loved it.?
School at Brandon is not as challenging as in Brisbane, added Bretz.
‘American students do things at a younger age than I ever did,? she said. ‘They drive younger, we have to wait until 17-years-old. Of course I’ve come from an all girls school, too.?
‘I really like it here and don’t want to go home,? she said. ‘At first I was missing home, but now I’m really loving it here. I’ve made friends with American students rather than just hanging out with other exchange kids.?
Bretz is planning on attending the University of Brisbane and considering a career in nursing.
‘Actully, I’d like to be a mid-wife,? she said.
Area resdient Terri Schall coordinates students of ASSE.
‘Students, like Emily are screened for academic ability, character, and fluency in English,? she said. ‘They are excited, curious, probably a little nervous, and most of all, hoping to find a placement in the USA for the upcoming school year.?
If you are interested in hosting or learning more email terri.asse@gmail.com or visit https://asse.com/home/.