Emily Rutherford and John Corona were among the first group of five to take advantage of a new alliance between Tourism Southern Highlands and The Institute For Study Abroad – Butler University.

Staying on a Moss Vale farm with owners Alan and Wendy Hunt, the pair not only had the chance to take in the rural scenery, but they were also put to work.

“They had a go on the tractor, they moved the cattle and got to feed the cows and the bulls and move an electric fence,” Mr Hunt said.

He described the experience of playing host for the weekend as “wonderful”.

“It was a chance for them to sample a bit of Southern Highlands’ culture and it turned out to be a really good weekend,” Mr Hunt said.

“I had a bit of fun stirring them about American football, basketball and baseball, their spelling and accents and they gave back as well (laughs).”

The Hunts treated their guests to a tour, which included a visit to Bundanoon for a close up encounter with kangaroos and joeys as well as a bushwalk in the Morton National Park.

Saturday activities were limited by the winter conditions, even flakes of snow, and when all the work was done they visited Fitzroy Falls and ended the day enjoying a barbecue with the rest of the students.

The Pine Pastoral also hosted two students, and Montrose Berry Farm took in one.

Robyn Dove of The Pines Pastoral described the experience as “tiring but rewarding”.

“It was very interesting,” Ms Dove said.

“I think it was wonderful for them to get to see the Southern Highlands.

“They were also great ambassadors for America.”

Farmers interested in participating in the tourism initiative can contact tourism@

wsc.nsw.gov.au or call 4871 2888 for more information.