Matt, who normally resides in Le Mans, arrived in Benalla about 12 months ago.
Rotary member Bruce Walker said the aim for his trip was to become a child of the world, Matt thought Australia would be the ideal place to start his journey.
“During his time with Benalla Rotary he morphed form the child he was when he arrived into a fine young man by the time he headed home last week,” Bruce said.
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During his stay he had three host families.
Firstly, Kristy and Drew Morrison and daughters Georgie, Grace and Holly.
“Between being picked up at Tullamarine and arriving in Benalla Matt was a fully committed Hawks supporter,” Bruce said.
“During the course of his stay he accumulated virtually all of the paraphernalia that goes with being a committed AFL club fan.”
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Bruce said Matt felt his English was of a poor standard, but said all who spoke with him disagreed and loved his French accent.
“He attended FCJ for his whole time in Benalla and received great support form the staff and his fellow students,” Bruce said.
“In December he experienced an Australian Christmas with his next host family, Gary and Sophie Connor along with daughter Abby.
“Their younger daughter Molly was at the same time enjoying a northern hemisphere Christmas and an out going Rotary Exchange Student in France.
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“During this time Matt visited Melbourne, saw the sights and scenes that the Great Ocean Road has to offer and even tried his hand at fishing in the ocean.”
Bruce said Matt’s next major experience was joining all of the other District 9790 exchange students at the Mittigundi camp in Victoria’s high country.
“This is an experience in self-reliance as there is no phone coverage and the accommodation is fairly basic,” Bruce said.
“After early qualms Matt found it to be a fantastic experience as he made new friends and attempted a range of new activities.”
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Matt’s final host family was Di and Brian Murphy along with their daughters Lauren and Tegan, both of whom have been outbound exchange students previously.
By this time COVID-19 had reared its ugly head and many of the intended activities that normally took place on the exchange had to be cancelled.
“The biggest of these was the Outback Safari, which sees all exchange student participating in a whistle-stop tour of outback Australia returning home via the east coast,” Bruce said.
“Sincere thanks to all who help make Matt’s stay in Benalla a success despite the obvious challenges.
“Special thanks go to Bruce McIntyre, who is the district youth exchange coordinator, John Smyth, who filled the role of councillor and Ann Kimberley, youth director for Benalla Rotary.”
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