Junior Chuck LaSota left January 14 to begin his AFS year in Australia. Chuck first became interested in the AFS program this year when Betty Dolch, German foreign exchange student, spoke in his German class.

"She seemed to be having a nice time on the program, and it sounded interesting so I attended a meeting and then applied," Chuck said.

Although he would have rather gone to Germany because he speaks the language, the AFS committee thought his host family in Australia would be better suited for him.

Chuck doesn't know exactly what to expect in Australia but does know that schooling there is more formal. Students stand when the teacher enters the room and say, "good morning." They must also wear uniforms.

Upon returning to America sometime in January 1974, Chuck will return to Maine West and finish out the school year before graduating.