Southern hospitality and good Southern food. That’s what a small group of Australian tourists said they’re enjoying while touring Mississippi via Rotary International Group Study Exchange.

The Group Study Exchange provided five Australians a chance to compare their vocation to that of their American – Mississippi specifically – counterparts.

Laurie Fagan said the four-week trip promotes international good will and vocational understanding.

&uot;Rotary International accumulates financial reserves for programs like this one,&uot; he said. &uot;This is just one way we can study different vocations around the world.&uot;

A group of Mississippi Rotary International members recently toured the Australian district of which the group is from. The Australian District – District 9790 -includes part of Victoria and part of New South Wales, while the Mississippi district boundaries include Natchez, Laurel, Greenville and Columbus.

Kylie Hall said the hospitality had been a treat. &uot;The welcoming nature of the people here is wonderful.

&uot;Our host families have welcomed us into their homes, and we’ve enjoyed the trip so far,&uot; she said.