From Canada to the bush

By Lia Bichel
Leslie Kao, 22, arrived in Australia on 24 April after a 15-hour flight from Toronto, Canada.
The Seneca College student applied for a four-week apprenticeship with the kindergarten, and will receive her diploma after she flies home on 4 June.
Ms Kao said she did not experience culture shock, but was surprised by the differences in lifestyle.
“I adjusted really quickly. Everyone here is so laid-back,” she said. “Everything is relaxed. I’ve even started saying ‘no worries’!”
Since her arrival, the Canuck has immersed herself in Australian culture. She tasted (and hated) vegemite, and has been on the lookout for Australian animals, but sadly, has only seen dead wombats.
During the week, she works six hours a day at the kindergarten and had to adjust to the different classroom ratio of teachers to children.
“In Canada, for children aged three to five, the ratio for supervisor to children is 1 to 8. In Australia, the ratio is 1 to 15,” she said.
“But it’s made me a lot more comfortable in the classroom.”
Kindergarten teacher Kimberley Taylor said she enjoyed having a Canadian in the classroom.
“It’s great to learn about another culture and to hear her ideas,” she said.
“The kids really enjoy having her here. She’s become a welcome part of our team.”
Ms Kao said after she received her diploma, she hoped to continue her travel streak and become an au pair in the United States.