Brody Stein, 17, arrived in Australia at the end of August and is taking part in the Rotary Club's exchange program.

However, the Rotary Club of Ararat has not had an exchange student for about 30 years, making Brody's visit rather special.

He is currently staying with Rotarian Peter Cody, and will later stay with Peter and Jenny Beales.

Brody said he was keen to take part in the program and believed in the work Rotary does.

"Fields of sheep" - the differences between America and Australia Brody has noticed:

"Rotary is an organisation that pretty much wants to help out the world step by step," he said.

"They are doing different things and exchange is one of those ... it wants to spread world peace and for cultures to blend together.

"They want this to happen through exchange by bringing ambassadors around the world together with the program."

Brody said he chose Australia for his exchange for a couple of reasons.

"I chose Australia because I didn't want to speak another language, but another reason is I really like the outdoors," he said.

He had also heard about the Australian reputation for friendliness.

"I've always heard people are more appreciative and nice in Australia," he said.

"I know that cooperation and stuff like that is probably better than the United States.

"The relationships of people here are a lot tighter."

Several differences have already struck Brody since stepping off the plane at Tullamarine International Airport.

"My initial impression of Australia when I got here was the airport - the way to get out is just one direction and you have to have your ticket and stuff like that," he said.

"In America all we have is that you get off the flight and just walk out of the building."

Brody said the landscaped looked just like it did in the movies.

"I noticed the trees immediately - they're everything I expected from movies," he said.

"White trunks, no bark, tall.

"The first time I saw a kangaroo it actually had a baby in its pouch. They are extremely cool animals."

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