13/8/2008 - When in Rome...
Tasmanian youth returns from Italian year abroad
Tasmanian student Zachary Smythe has set his feet back on Australian shores after an emotional and life-changing exchange experience in Italy. Hailing from the beautiful beach city of Bridport, the young ambassador won an ANZ Regional & Rural Banking scholarship courtesy of AFS Intercultural Programs last year, and has now come full circle with this extraordinary event in his life.
“I have learnt so much, not only a new language or a new culture but I have also learnt a lot about myself. I have gained so much maturity and confidence here in Italy this year and it has been excellent. I have met so many amazing people during this experience, from all over the world and each and every one of them has given me a piece of the person I have become today,” he reflects.
The year was a continuum of epiphanies and memorable experiences for Zachary, who fondly remembers the many people he shared a part of his life with, and gives credit to them for challenging his views about the world and giving him the strength of spirit to change them. His penultimate endeavour was mastering the Italian language and learning to share a part of his culture through their native tongue. “I feel so great to have been able to reach that goal, which was one of my biggest goals for this experience,” he says.
Though Zachary is settling back into the ways of life in Australia, he feels that his time overseas has not only nurtured a sense of responsible independence, but also an innate empathy with the values, morals and customs of Italian culture thanks largely to his host family. He describes them as “beautiful” and treasures every moment spent in their company. “I feel like I will always have a home here with them… They have helped me through the hard times and they were always a part of the good times, I will always think of them as my second family and I’m already planning my trip back to visit them!”
Armed with fresh perspectives about the world, a rich appreciation for cultural diversity and a vital confidence in the idea of humanity, Zachary now looks to labour in his studies to one day join the media industry as a presenter.
AFS Australia annually offers more than 300 scholarship opportunities and is supported by more than 30 organisations and individuals. Competition for AFS scholarships is high and successful applicants are selected based on their cultural awareness, consistent academic achievement and community involvement. Since 1959, AFS Australia has sent more than 15,000 Australian teenagers overseas and hosted more than 25,000 exchange students and community service volunteers.
About the AFS ANZ Regional, Rural & Small Business Banking Scholarship
ANZ has been working in partnership with AFS since 1989. So far, ANZ has supported 42 students to take up the challenge of living and studying overseas for one year. In 2008, ANZ Regional, Rural & Small Business Banking is offering two scholarships for children of ANZ staff. The program provides students with a unique international learning experience, the opportunity to develop life skills and the chance to learn another language.
Media contact:
Barbara Ratusznik
barbara.ratusznik@afs.org