Leaving his home State in the grip of a heat wave, and traveling to Germany which is currently experiencing sub-zero temperatures may come as a shock to outgoing Rotary International exchangee.

Departing on his 12-month sojourn to Marburg, Germany, on January 23, 17-year-old

Ryan said he doesn’t know

how he’ll cope with the sudden change.

But in his home-town’s best traditions, Ryan will press on regardless, despite being a self-confessed lover of swimming pool and beach.

Entering the selection process as a potential Rotary International Exchangee in 2009, Ryan said his decision was a spontaneous one.

Although he was initially hoping for a exchange trip to Canada, he was quite happy to be chosen as an exchangee to Germany.

He is hoping to see the historic and scenic country, and is

looking forward to enjoying

such sights as the numerous castles, and a Rhine Cruise.

Ryan will also take the Euro-Tour with other international exchangees and see much of Western Europe during school vacations.

His first host family are the Hampes family of Marburg,

in the State of Hesse, who are

an experienced host family - Ryan will be their eighth exchangee.

The Hampes have teenage children, one of which is curently undertaking an exchange in Quebec.

Rotary Exchangees are expected to act as ambassadors for their country while on

their exchange, attending

and speaking at Rotary

functions on a regular basis.

Ryan said he hopes to learn as much as he can about Germany and its culture, while passing

on his knowledge of Australia to his hosts.

Although generally taking his big adventure in his stride, Ryan admits that he will miss his

parents and all of his friends, and isn’t sure how he’ll cope with homesickness while

away.

Ryan’s parents, Kevin and Karen Heness, said that while they will miss their son greatly, they hope that Ryan will have a great time and learn a lot from his overseas experience.