COEN HESLOP(16), Girton Grammar School, Bendigo, Australia, on a month-long exchange in St Mary's, Rathmines, Dublin

“There’s just nothing like Transition Year in Australia. At home, education is full-on, and we don’t get a break. Here, TY is a chance to learn a lot about yourself, try out new sports, go on hikes, and get involved in lots of different activities.

“Our school principal at home is Irish, and he went to St Mary’s as a child. On a visit back to Ireland 16 years ago, he hooked up with some old friends who are now teaching in the school, and they arranged a student exchange programme. My brother went two years ago on the same exchange. He liked it heaps, and advised me to go for it when the opportunity came up.

“I’m really loving it over here. We’ve been on sailing trips, we’ve visited Glendalough and gone for a great hike, and seen a lot of Dublin. It’s been fun to hang out in the city; we’ve gone to Dublinia and taken the Viking Splash Tour, which was a real hoot. It’s also interesting to check out ancient buildings: we don’t get a lot of them in Australia.

“It’s been my first time away by myself. The host family and St Mary’s have been so welcoming. Only a few days left: just enough time for some shopping, packing, and a trip to Wesley nightclub!”