This term, Narrabri High School has had the pleasure of welcoming an international visitor to its community – Josephine Pageau, a bright and enthusiastic exchange student from Dijon, France.

Her five-month stay, facilitated by the Southern Cross Cultural Exchange program, is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and global learning.

Josephine is staying with local host family Sally and Geoff Hunter and has already begun immersing herself in the Australian way of life.

As a Year 11 student, she’s quickly made new friends and is taking part in school activities with enthusiasm.

Her passions are horse riding, in which she’s twice competed in the French Riding Championships, and singing, with performances in school musicals back in France – make her a natural fit for Narrabri High’s creative and sporting spirit.

She’s especially excited to be involved in the school’s upcoming MAD Night, a highlight of the school calendar.

“My first impressions of Narrabri High School were how friendly and welcoming everyone has been and how very different school is in Australia compared to France,” Josephine said.

In France, school days are longer, with students attending from 8am to 6pm four days a week, and shorter Wednesdays.

For Josephine, experiencing the Australian education system offers both contrast and opportunity.

But this exchange is about more than school hours and classroom differences.

It’s about building bridges – sharing language, culture, traditions, and everyday experiences.

Josephine hopes to be a “good ambassador for [her] country,” eager to share her life as a French teenager and her multicultural background.

She also brings a wealth of travel experience, having visited countries like Greece, Sweden, and Spain – experiences which further enrich the cultural tapestry she shares with her new Australian peers.

Student exchange programs like this one not only broaden the horizons of visiting students but also deeply benefits the host communities.

They remind us of the value of hospitality, open-mindedness, and the joy of seeing our own culture through fresh eyes.

Thank you to the Southern Cross Cultural Exchange program, Narrabri High School, and the Hunter family for making this experience possible – and most of all, we thank Josephine for choosing to share part of her journey with us.

Welcome to Narrabri, Josephine. May your time here be filled with discovery, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

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