From a vast 650-acre farm and hopping kangaroos to towering skyscrapers and yellow taxicabs, Hackley’s most recent Round Square exchange student traveled halfway around the world to immerse herself in the American culture.

Sophomore Ellen Coote, a native of Moree, Australia, arrived early October to begin her stay at Hackley. Ellen is currently taking upperclassmen classes at Hackley, including Economics, Statistics and Probability, and Advanced Forest Ecology Research.

“It was really challenging. I didn’t know anyone in the sophomore year because I was in such a range of classes,” said Ellen. “The junior-senior classes I’m taking are really fun though. On my first day of Advanced Forest Ecology, we went out and caught salamanders!”

Being an exchange student at a foreign country may be a daunting task, but Ellen has found her place in the performing arts. A dedicated actor at The Armidale School, Ellen now spends her time at the PAC rehearsing for Hackley’s fall production, Caesar and Cleopatra. “I’m sort of helping out at the moment. But it’s honestly such an amazing experience,” said Ellen. “I automatically connected with the Hacktors. I think that made me feel so much better about coming here and made me feel included. I’ve always been a big drama geek, so joining the play was very comforting and fun.”

Like many exchange students before her, Ellen has also been a part of Hackley’s boarding community. Upon her arrival at Hackley on the night of Columbus Day, Ellen was greeted by music blasting in the halls and laughter ringing throughout Girls’ Boarding. “I think it’s cool how secretive boarding is,” exclaimed Ellen. “People that I meet comment on how they have never seen the boarding area, and it adds a whole new dimension to Hackley life. I’ve been to three boarding schools now, including Hackley, and it’s cool to see how it compares to my past schools.”

With its emphasis on academics, Hackley sharply contrasts with The Armidale School, an all-boys Australian school until this past year. “In my world, homework is optional,” describes Ellen. “Basically, they give you homework and if you want to better yourself in the future, you do it, but if you don’t, then you just don’t do it.”

Besides the drastic difference in academics, Ellen is astounded by the stress placed on college admissions. “Not everyone goes to college in Australia,” said Ellen. “I don’t have to go to be able to have a career. It’s interesting how here, there is so much emphasis on doing well in school and going to college.”

As she navigates the halls during her final weeks at Hackley, Ellen looks forward to meeting more people and seizing the most from the opportunities presented to her. Approaching her departure, she is both excited and nostalgic about leaving her independence behind, but awaiting her arrival to Australia is the lead role in her school musical, Government Inspector, and a week-long cadet training.

Gallery • 2 Photos

Credit: Bridget Barsanti