VEGEMITE is more palatable than they expected, the country is bigger than they thought, and Australia's larrikin sense of humour initially caught them by surprise.
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Those were just a few of the initial observations made about Australia by visiting teenagers Leo Meyer, 18, of Germany, and Tuna Yondem, 17, of Turkey, last week.
The pair were part of a 30-strong contingent of international students who had enjoyed an eight-day camp at Catalina Lakefront Retreat, in Rathmines, as part of a Lions Club youth exchange program.
The Lakes Mail met the youths at Royal Motor Yacht Club, Toronto, on Wednesday, where they were treated to lunch and an afternoon of sailing on Lake Macquarie.
"I've been really surprised by how big Australia is," Tuna said. "You have to drive everywhere."
The youths weren't long in Australia before they were offered Vegemite.
"I think it's not that bad. I can eat it," Tuna said.
"I also like the pies, and we've had a lot of sausages."
Leo said he was impressed by Australia's multicultural cuisine.
"Unlike Germany, Australia is quite multicultural when it comes to their dishes. I wasn't expecting that," he said.
But it wasn't the biggest surprise that Australia dished up.
"Australians don't hesitate to make fun of themselves," he said.
And comments made in jest by Australians to their mates are freely given and accepted in the spirit in which they were intended.
People in Germany tended not to engage in such banter, he said.
But Leo likes the Australian way.
"I really appreciate that."
Lions camp director Pam Bennett said the international guests were aged 16 to 20.
They had travelled from such countries as Mexico, the USA, Indonesia, Mongolia, Poland, Hungary, Italy, Austria and France.
"One of the primary aims of the exchange program is to generate a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world," Ms Bennett said.
The young people formed friendships, discussed and exchanged elements of their cultures, and generally expanded their horizons during their stay in Australia, she said.
"The Japanese kids are often quite timid at the start, but by the time they go home they're ready to take on the world," she said.
