7/11/2006 - Head of AFS Malaysia yearns for roast lamb in Wanganui
Atty, an AFS Intercultural Programme student from Malaysia, lived with Tony and Valerie Cowan in Durie Hill, Wanganui for half of the year she was in New Zealand. She spent the first part of her year in Palmerston North. She was 17 and attended Wanganui High School. It was 1986.
She has already given the Cowans a list of things she wants to do and what she wants to eat! “Mum’s cheesecake is to die for!!!” she says.
One of the cultural differences Atty observed was her host dad’s hugs, given to everyone in the family each night before bed. “It was a bit awkward at first, but I’m glad he didn’t stop, as those little things are what made me feel part of the family.” At the time she lived with her host sister, Michelle, who was 16, and had two other sisters, both who left home before her arrival. Her host parents have visited her three times in Malaysia.
Having salad for dinner was also a culture shock and everything about going to Wanganui High School was different. She was pleased to be able to choose woodwork as one of her classes, a subject not taught at her school in Malaysia.
“I was in the Māori Club at school and had the opportunity to participate in the Māori speech contest (albeit only as part of the singing backup!!) My host sister took me skiing. I enjoyed it so much I signed up for the school ski trip.”
As well as missing her host parents when she returned to Malaysia, Atty pined for fresh milk, cream, pies, roast lamb and cycling to school. “The word ‘choice’ will always remind me of NZ. I have not heard the expression used anywhere else!!”
“Cycling to school was a challenge, especially when you cycle uphill with the headwind against you! I was lucky to have the lift service up Durie Hill, so I never had to cycle up the hill itself!! However, cycling down was exciting! Dad followed behind me once and informed me that I did 10km/hour which was a big achievement for me!”
Another exciting and scary part of her exchange was a four-day canoe ride on the Whanganui River rapids! “It was an experience of a lifetime. I remember Dad telling me ‘Atty, keep your bottom still and keep paddling!!’ Dad and I were the only ones in our group who did not tip over!”
Atty joined Antarabudaya Malaysia (AFS Malaysia) as a volunteer camp facilitator in 1992 after she came back from three years study in Wales. In 1994 she was asked to become a staff member and has worked in many roles since. She is now the Partner Director.
“My family has hosted many AFS students since I was 12, so it’s natural I am interested in living in another culture. I have been a host sister since 1980. We have hosted almost every year since and our house has become a half way house for many students.”
It is the first time a South Pacific city has hosted the Congress. AFS “partners” – countries which have an agreement to host and send intercultural exchange students between them – will meet to share and discuss mid and long term plans about the overall mission of AFS and our vision and direction. Atty is one of 155 delegates representing one of over 50 countries worldwide.
She picked New Zealand as her AFS destination as she had met a few Kiwis in Malaysia. “They really sold New Zealand as a beautiful country. New Zealand is truly my second home. Even though I only spent a year in New Zealand and three years in Wales. I feel much closer to the Kiwis!!”
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