Michele loves her freedom of choice

The Swiss student attributes her adventurous mother and aunt for her decision to come to Perth for one year as part of a Rotary exchange.

Since arriving from Montreux on July 23, Michele has been attending Willetton Senior High School and was astounded by the freedom of choice Australian students have.

"In Switzerland you can't choose your subjects and you have one class, the teachers move to different rooms," she said.

At home, the aspiring child psychologist had mandatory classes, and has relished choosing her own classes, including photography and drama.

Michele said she had observed the benefits the freedom of choice had afforded her school friends, who she described as self-assured and confident compared to girls in the same age group at home.

"It's so great because I see girls in Australia are really confident, they like who they are," she said.

Throughout her one-year trip Michele will stay with three host families and participate in Rotary activities.