Kids go Mexican

By Russell Bennett
Students from U.E. Anahuac School in Mexico have made the journey down-under to participate in a cultural exchange for the fourth time.
The school’s English teacher Leticia Vilchis said the trip was all about the kids gaining a better understanding of English-speaking culture.
“Half of all the lessons at our school are taught in English,” she said.
“The exchange really helps the kids in that way so they were very excited to come here.
“They love the country and they’re happy.
“They’ll have many great memories when we head back to Mexico.”
Birmingham Primary’s Mexican visitors arrived on 25 October after a 19-hour flight for a three-week stay. Some of the students didn’t even reach Melbourne before they encountered their favourite part of Australia.
“I have enjoyed Sydney the best,” Jorge, 10, said after stopping over for an hour at the airport.
“It’s just so big.
“There are people everywhere.”
Jorge said his favourite hills experience was Healesville Sanctuary where he got to meet his favourite animals – kangaroos and koalas.
“We will also go to some big markets and farms before we leave,” he added.
Jorge said: “I really like Birmingham Primary because the teachers here help me and take care of me.”
Jose, also 10, had been outside Mexico before – to the United States and to Costa Rica – and said he hadn’t experienced any homesickness while in Australia.
“I’m just having so much fun here,” he said.
“I’ve made many good friends here.
“It has been great.”
Birmingham Primary took 11 students to Mexico for three weeks in September.
Grade 5 teacher and exchange program co-ordinator Sharon Smith said: “The kids had some nerves about leaving home but we did a lot of preparation beforehand.
“We were there for Mexico’s Independence Day Celebrations – celebrating 200 years of independence.”
Birmingham student Daisy, 12, said: “We were the extra special visitors on an extra special Independence Day.”