Since arriving in Young last August, Danish exchange student Johanne – affectionately known as "Yoyo" – has become a cherished part of the White family and the wider Hilltops community.
Sixteen-year-old Johanne swapped the cobblestone streets of Copenhagen for wide open paddocks, friendly faces, and the occasional truck full of sheep and she’s loved every minute of it.
Yoyo’s journey to Young began with a conversation between two former exchange students.
Debbie White, who had previously supported another Danish student named Ellen, was approached toward the end of Ellen’s stay with news that another young Dane was seeking a host family.
After reading Johanne’s profile, Debbie and her husband Steve – who was initially hesitant – agreed she would be a great fit.
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“She’s been loving her time in Young,” Debbie said. “It’s been a fun, enriching experience for our whole family – and our daughter Thea, who’s only nine, is already talking about being an exchange student herself one day.”
Yoyo, who is here through Youth For Understanding (YFU), said her first impression of Young was shaped by an online map search. “I looked it up and thought, ‘What the heck is that? That’s such a random small town in the middle of nowhere!’ It looked like something from a cowboy movie,” she laughed. “But I thought alright, let’s see what’s going on in Young.”
Since settling in, Yoyo has thrown herself into local life. She’s taken part in the Hilltops Youth Action Group, attended community events, and was recently a debutante at the Young Charity Debutante Ball.
“In Denmark we have balls, but nobody really cares about them. Here it’s a big deal and I really enjoyed it – especially when they played the Nutbush! I had actually practiced it before coming to Australia, so that made me really proud,” she said.
She also attends Young Presbyterian Church each Sunday, where she’s made a strong group of friends.
But it’s the simple moments that she’s treasured most: spending time with her host family, hanging out with friends after school, walking into town, and experiencing the relaxed and welcoming nature of regional Australian life.
“In Denmark, people don’t really talk to strangers. But here, people talk to me on the street even if they don’t know me. It’s really nice,” she said.
For Debbie, who grew up in a household that hosted more than 20 exchange students, the value of programs like YFU goes well beyond the experience of one teenager.
“Hosting an exchange student gives your family the chance to learn about a different culture, but it also opens up the world to our community,” she said.
“When a student like Yoyo comes to Young, everybody they meet – at school, in town, through sport or church – gets a glimpse of another way of life. That kind of cultural exchange can inspire young people in so many ways.”
Yoyo’s time in Australia is already shaping her outlook.
“Everyone is different here, and I feel like you can be more yourself. Back home, everyone dresses and acts pretty much the same. But in Australia, people express themselves more, and I’ve learned a lot about how to socialise and just be open.”
As for the future, she’s not sure what’s next – but she knows she’ll always have a second family and a second home in the Hilltops.
Interested in hosting an exchange student? Debbie is happy to talk to anyone curious about the experience, particularly through Youth For Understanding. “It’s something I’d recommend to anyone – and I’m happy to act as a support person if others want to give it a go.”
