Leonardo Alexander Meyer, 18, from the German city of Frankfurt, Ariel Lahav, 18, from Modiin Maccabim Reut in Israel and 17-year-old Benjamin Zitlau, who hails from Wolfsburg in Germany, are being hosted by the Raymond Terrace Lions.

For Leonardo, a ballroom dance teacher, the unique wildlife of Australia has been a stand-out.

"I enjoyed our trip to Sydney Opera House and the harbour bridge but I really fell in love with the wildlife, particularly the kangaroos and wallabies," he said.

Leonardo said that dancing was a form of self-expression he craved. "For me it provides the opportunity to share a lovely artistic moment with another person, to work as a team ... and it's a lot of fun."

A compulsory two-year stint in the Army awaits Ariel on her return home to Israel next month.

"I am hoping to specialise in intelligence or security. After the two years I may stay in the Army, otherwise I hope to study at university," she said.

A youth mentor, Ariel is also highly impressed with the natural beauty of Port Stephens and its surrounds, having enjoyed the lookout from Tomaree mountain and a surf at Caves Beach. She will culminate her Australian adventure with a week's camp in Proserpine, North Queensland.

Benjamin, who has just started an apprenticeship in IT with German car manufacturer Volkswagon, credits the exchange for giving him "more self-confidence" and "opening my mind to other cultures".

"The people are friendly and I have enjoyed the fun activities, the area's natural beauty and spending time with my host families. I am also a very keen photographer so I will have many happy memories I can take home with me," said Benjamin.

Hosts Glenys Francis (Lions secretary), Judith Bee (vice-president) and Kate Moore (president) say the club is on the lookout for youth aged 16-21 wanting an overseas experience and more host families.

To find out more go to lionsclubs.org.au/activities/youth/ye/.