Morgan Pahls, Ellie Rogaczewski, and Hilary Wieck are living in Adelaide, Australia during Winter Term. They are interning with a social service agency affiliated with the Australian Lutheran Church. Submitted photo
RACHEL BIEDERMANN STAFF WRITER
Three Wartburg students are in Adelaide, Australia spending Winter Term completing internships with Lutheran Community Care, a social service agency of the Australian Lutheran Church.
During their stay in Australia, Hilary Wieck, Morgan Pahls and Ellie Rogaczewski plan to work with homeless families and assist a Family Zone Hub, which concentrates on children five years old and younger.
Rogaczewski said the superb sight seeing opportunities and top-notch accommodations are bonuses, but not the main focus of the trip.
“It is especially important for me to help those with less because I am so blessed in my life. In Australia, I look forward to observing and learning about systems that assist the homeless in a developed nation,” Rogaczewski said.
Wieck is also looking forward to learning from her experience.
“I am planning on becoming a more well-rounded individual. I love to learn about other cultures, backgrounds and people, so I just plan on growing in knowledge, experiences and relationships,” she said.
“There are so many different things that I can gain and learn from this experience that it’s hard to put into words.”
During the next three months, the students will be staying at Hosanna Heights, a residential facility located in Adelaide. It is privately owned and tailored to the needs of both local and international students.
Hosanna Heights includes a mini gym, study areas, tearooms and an evening meal of predominantly Asian food.
Wieck said that Adeliade is known for its art, film and music. She plans to visit some of the festivals, museums and shows that the city offers.
The city is close to Morialta Falls National Park, which includes three picturesque waterfalls.
Other recreational activities available in the area include rock climbing, hiking and going to the beach. The students said it is important to them to understand Australia’s history. and how its government is structured differently than the United States’ government.
“Australia is actually called the Commonwealth of Australia. They don’t have a president, just Queen Elizabeth II who is represented by the governor-general,” Wieck said.
“There are many more parties that are active in Australian government than in the U.S., which is basically centered on Democrats or Republicans.”
While in Australia, the students not only plan to study the differences between the United States and Australia, but also will experience them by putting aside time to explore the Outback.
“I hope to do as much traveling as possible. There is a chance that I’ll get to spend time camping in the Outback. Who knows, I may even learn to surf,” Rogaczeweski said.
Wieck is also excited about exploring the country.
“I plan on going to Kangaroo Island and doing some snorkeling, caving and rock climbing. I would also like to visit the Adelaide Hills, which is where some of the best wine in the world is made,” Wieck said.