ALICE Duchene is packing her bags and getting ready to say a sad goodbye to Inverell.

From Belgium, she came to Inverell last year as part of the Rotary exchange program and has spent her time living with three families and attending Inverell High School.

"In the beginning I thought it would be hard staying with three different families," Alice said. "But everything is pretty much the same as at home.

"Food is great, I've tried everything, but I miss my mum's cooking.

"I hate Vegemite but I love Tim Tams. I've become a coffee addict since coming here."

She did work experience this week at Macintyre Hot Bread making coffee and outside of school has enjoyed other activities with her exchange families.

Alice also travelled around the country with Rotary earlier this year.

"It was the best trip I've ever had," she said. "We went along the east coast and into the outback.

"Mum and dad wanted to come this year but couldn't, I'll come back and show them around.

"I want to fit in everything I haven't done here."

Alice stayed with Pauline and Brad McCarthy from Delungra, whose son Simon is currently on a Rotary exchange program in France.

Pauline said Alice was a lovely addition to the family and they're planning a trip to Europe later in the year.

"It was like gaining a daughter," Pauline said. "I'd definitely do it (the exchange program) again. It's been fun, an adventure."

Alice also stayed with Kym and Harry Fay and the Pages family, John-Marcel and Kym.

She is returning home later in the month to take a place at university in Brussels.

Alice said she enjoyed the laid back lifestyle of Inverell.

"There is lots of freedom here," she said.

"School here is pretty much like it is in Belgium."

© 2010 Inverell Times

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