Bega High School student Miri Badger left yesterday for Sydney ahead of a year-long Rotary Youth study exchange program to Finland, while Lumen Christi Catholic College’s Kezia Mitchell flies out to Brazil on January 19.

“It wasn’t my first preference,” Miri said of her Finnish adventure.

“Rotary asks you to submit a list and Finland was right at the bottom. But because it’s less well known it makes it more exciting and there’s more to learn.”

Miri, 15, will be based in Turku on the south-west coast of Finland, about two hours west of Helsinki, while Kezia, 16, is heading for Sao Paolo.

They will live and study in their respective countries for

a year.

“The education system there is amazing – it’s a really different system,” Miri said.

“I might have to keep in touch with what they’re doing (at Bega High School), maybe by email or something.

“But it’s the travel, the independence and the cultural experience (that are the real lessons).”

Kezia expressed similar sentiments.

“I love the beaches and just how friendly the people are,” Kezia said.

“I’ll be out of my comfort zone, but I’ll bond well.”

As for learning the languages, Kezia knows how to say “Hello, my name is Kezia” in Portuguese, while Miri says she has “just the basics”.

“I haven’t really had time with all the preparations, but I’m going to study really hard while I’m over there,” Miri said.

“They say it’s the third most difficult language to learn in the world – but that just makes it all the more interesting.”

During her year in Finland, Miri will also join fellow Rotary Youth Exchange students on a European tour, present speeches to local Rotary groups and perhaps even talk in front of her school.

“I’ll be an ambassador for Australia and for Rotary,” Miri said.

“It’s up to you how much you do but they (Rotary) give you the opportunities.

“Rotary has been really amazing. I feel more organised and confident already and I recommend it (applying for the exchange program) to everyone.”