I am Oliver Abola (‘26, they/them), and I am on exchange at Radford College in Canberra, ACT (Australian Capital Territory), Australia. Radford is an independent Anglican school, which has about 450 students in years 11 and 12 combined. The reason I count these years together is because, within the ACT, these years are grouped together as “college.” During college, students usually do not change their courses, and it is the grades they earn during these years that principally contribute to their applications to university (what we commonly refer to as “college”).
Coming from America, I was quite surprised to find that I heard more about the upcoming American presidential election here in Australia than I had heard while in the US. My host family often listens to the news in the morning during breakfast and when driving to and from school. Combined with the fact that a significant portion of Australian news currently follows the US presidential election, I’m now much more familiar with the American presidential candidates. Additionally, I was surprised by how directly I have been asked my opinion on the election, even by people that I had basically never met.
Another situation where I was surprised to hear about the US was in my tour of Australia’s parliament house! It turns out that they name their legislature after that of America, with the two chambers being called the House of Representatives and the Senate. These chambers are also led by the speaker and president, respectively. However, the system itself is mostly based on the Westminster system from the UK, except with a stronger Senate more akin to that of America. Because of this, Australia’s system is sometimes described as a “Washminister system.”
Everything I’ve told you about so far pales in comparison to my favorite part of the entire exchange: Dirrum Festival. Dirrum Festival, organized by Dirrum Dirrum, is an annual event, similar to a TEDx event, where several speakers give speeches on a variety of topics. Where Dirrum differs from a TEDx event, however, is its theme and topics. The annual theme of Dirrum Festival is ‘for the common good,’ and it often hosts speakers on a variety of social and political issues of the time. This particular Dirrum Festival had the focus “makarrata,” which in the Yolngu Matha language means the coming together after a struggle. This word is given special significance due to its use in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, “the largest consensus of First Nations peoples on a proposal for substantive recognition in Australian history” (ulurustatement.org). In addition to the Uluru Statement, speakers at Dirrum Festival spoke about topics such as addressing child sexual abuse, confronting the dehumanization of Palestinians, and responding to the disproportionate impact of climate change on young people.
Overall, I have had a great time while on exchange. I have learned a lot about Australia, and the First Nations that came before it and whose people are still fighting for Voice, Treaty, and Truth. I have seen breathtaking views and architectural wonders. I have met people I never thought I would meet and experienced a school I never would have gone to. I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I have learned about the issues facing ordinary Australians, both large and small. So, now I wonder: if you went on exchange, what could you do?
The Athenian School Exchange Blog 