Maja Graser normally lives in the Black Forest area of Germany but for the last two months the 17 year old has been staying with Talia Major in Thredbo and attending Snowy Mountains Grammar School as part of a student exchange programme.

Living in Rheinfelden between Basel and Freiburg, Maja attends a school of 850 students - one of the smaller schools, she said.

So what differences did she find between her school in Germany and SMGS, apart from the obvious size difference?

"This school is so different; I'm impressed with the relationship between students and teachers and its friendly atmosphere, I felt really comfortable right from the first day," Maja said.

One big difference that she couldn't help but notice was school uniform. Her school in Germany does not have a school uniform. It also starts earlier and finishes earlier.

There is a focus on core subjects too which means no time for subjects such as design technology or drama; these have to be done in your own time, Maja said.

While she has been in Australia, Maja travelled to the coast and then further afield to Cairns and the Barrier Reef.

"Here you have everything in one country. You fly for three hours from Sydney and you are in the sun," she said.

Maja will be missed not only for her company but also for the assistance she gave to the German classes too.