Exchanging places – from the US to NZ
30 Jul 2024
From Tennessee to Canterbury, George Ma (left) and Lyon Playfair have undertaken a long journey to enjoy a few weeks at Christ’s College on a school exchange.
Both Montgomery Bell Academy students have experienced life inside and outside College, with George hosted by Flower’s House Year 12 boarder Frank O’Gara and Lyon spending time with Harper House Year 12 dayboy Euan McVicar.
George, 16, has enjoyed his first visit to New Zealand and the “amazing sights”.
“We went whale watching and the scenery in general is amazing,” he says. “I like Christ’s College. It is definitely a different experience being in the boarding House, but the classroom vibe is something that is rather familiar to me.”
During his stay, George also has travelled to Tekapo, visiting the Mt John Observatory to study the night sky. The visit was part of an academic field trip with the Earth and Space Science students and included the opportunity to observe the sky through the University of Canterbury's 60cm telescope.
For Lyon, a trip to New Zealand has meant the "chance to go skiing, mountain biking, shooting, and golfing".
"We also went to Lyttelton for a hike and Akaroa for dolphin watching," he says. "I have shot with the clay shooting team a few times, including a night shoot, and been to a rugby game. My time in New Zealand has been very enjoyable and eye-opening."
Both Frank and Euan already have visited the Nashville school under the long-established exchange programme for senior students.
