Year 11 student Molly P is currently spending a year on exchange in the United States, experiencing life as a junior at Creekview High School in Georgia. Embracing a new culture, school system, and way of life, she has made the most of every opportunity. Before returning to JPC for Semester Two, Molly reflects on her journey so far, the differences between Australian and American schools, and the unforgettable experiences that have shaped her adventure.
My Exchange Experience in Georgia, USA
For those who don’t know me, I’m Molly! Right now, I would be starting year 11 at JPC in Australia, but instead, I’m halfway through my junior year (11th grade) in Georgia, USA, as an exchange student.
When I first started at Creekview High School at the end of July last year, I couldn’t help but focus on the differences between schools in Australia and America—something a lot of people have asked me about over the past five months. At first, it was the small things that stood out, like different timetables (I do the same subjects in the same order every single day!), blocked lunches (my scheduled lunch is period 3), and the fact that there are no lockers. Oh and the biggest difference was Indoor schooling - you spend the WHOLE day inside, even at lunch These changes were minor but constant, and it hadn’t even occurred to me that they would be different. But as time passed, I started to notice bigger differences—some of which are actually pretty cool.
One of the biggest differences is how Seniors (year 12's) are celebrated here, throughout the whole year. It’s completely different from what we see in Australia. There’s senior week, spirit week, senior-junior wars, senior breakfast, and so much more. It really brings the whole year level together, which is amazing to see. Another thing that took some time to get used to is that electives are open to multiple-year levels, so many of my classes have students of different ages. It’s been really interesting to see how everyone shares a passion for the subjects they choose.
And yes, high school here is just like the movies. Every day, I come home on a yellow school bus (which, by the way, is not as comfy as you’d think). My school has free dress, and we say the Pledge of Allegiance every morning in first period. After school, there’s almost always a game or sporting event to go and watch. And last year I went to homecoming and in March, I have my prom!
The best part of being on exchange is constantly experiencing things I wouldn’t back home. Since I don’t have to take super difficult classes, I spend most of my free time with friends, going on adventures. Everyone here finds my accent hilarious, and they’re convinced they don’t have accents themselves! Some of the coolest experiences so far have been celebrating Thanksgiving, getting the full fall (Autumn) experience, which has been the prettiest season yet, and having a snow day—which apparently never happens in Georgia! The whole town shut down, and we spent the day sledding. I also had my first-ever cold Christmas, and honestly, I just wanted my 30-degree Aussie summer back.
The football culture here is insane. After going to every Friday night football game and watching countless NFL games on TV, I finally understand it—and to be honest, it’s actually really cool. Another incredible part of my exchange has been meeting so many new people. Meeting my host family at the airport was nerve-wracking, and at first, I was really shy. But now, they feel like my second family. I do so much with them, and their friends and relatives treat me like their own daughter. I’ve already started planning my trips back to visit and thinking about ways to connect my university life in Australia with college here—because college in the U.S. is absolutely wild!
Even though I’m having the time of my life, I do miss Australia more and more. Being in Georgia means I’m nowhere near the ocean, and if you know me, you know the ocean is half my personality. To my surprise, I also miss John Paul College—the friendships I’ve built with both students and teachers over the past four years. And of course, I don’t go a day without missing my friends and family, especially my sister.
This experience is something I’ll carry with me forever, and it’s shaping the person I’m becoming.
Have a great start to the year and I’ll see you in Semester 2.
Go after your dreams and make them happen!
Molly P