A dancer, an Army recruit and an apprentice admin technician are in Port Stephens following the paths that thousands of international and Australian youth have trodden before them through the Lions international exchange program.
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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/.