International Student Program
ISP News
Welcome back to a new year in the MGC International Student Program! This year we welcomed 3 new year 7 international students, 10 new year 10s and 12 new year 11s! We have students from Brazil, China, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan and Vietnam. We also have several new exchange students from France, The Netherlands and Italy! Please make sure you introduce yourselves to them, as their first priority is to make new friends to teach them about our crazy Australian culture and language.
The year 12s went on their year 12 camp in the second week of school and they had a fantastic time, even if we all got very little sleep and it was so hot.
This year all the international students are expected to participate in at least one extracurricular activity, club, team or event. If you know one of the international girls and you think you can suggest an activity that they would like, please don’t hesitate to offer to take them along to your next club or team meeting.
Another good way to get to know our international students is to go to the Homework Club on Monday and Thursday afternoons from 3.30 – 4.30pm at the Club room 112. We will be having bilingual (English Chinese and Vietnamese speaking) tutors helping out all the international students, as well as any of the local students who are members of the Club. Make sure you get down there and say hello, and maybe make a new friend while you’re there.
Student Profiles
Van Pham is one of our Vietnamese students who is currently in year 12.
"Hi everyone, I’m Van. I’m an international student from Vietnam. I’ve been studying in MGC for 1 year and MGC offers great opportunities for me to develop my social skills as well as my study. Studying abroad is a new and great experience for me, as MGC is fairly different from my old school in Vietnam in terms of school life and especially interaction between students and staff members. They are always there when I need help. Although sometimes I feel homesick when living in Melbourne, I enjoy studying and being a part of the MGC community.
One of my big successes is achieving 45 in Vietnamese First Language last year at Victorian School of Language! They have invited me to take part in their award ceremony at their Top Scorers Night. I feel so proud and my parents are so happy."
New ISP Assistant for Semester One
We also have two new International Student Program Assistants; Lily Pham, who speaks Vietnamese, and Jielei Cui who speaks Chinese.
"Hi, my name is Lily Phan and I come from a lovely city called Saigon in Vietnam. I have been in Melbourne for eight years and enjoy my beautiful life here. I love swimming, cooking, bake cakes and shopping (who doesn’t ^-^). As I used to be an international student, I understand you can get homesick sometimes, you may get lost, confused, stress about life and study. But guess what? Do not worry much. I am here to help, I am an International Student Program Assistant, who will listen to any of your concerns and will try to find solutions for any problems you may have. So, drop by 302B to see me if you have any question or simply just want to say “Hi”. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you."
"Hi girls! My name is Jielei and I come from Shanghai, China, which is a big city compare to Melbourne. I am the new International Program Assistant here and I am glad to join such big family in MCG.
I have been in Melbourne for more than ten years. Like most of you, international students, I came to this country alone without any relatives when I was your age, tried to get to know Australia culture, find new friends and also struggled to study. After many success and failures, I found my passion and position in this city. So you're welcome to come to my office in 302B if you need help. I would be glad to meet and know you as a friend."
League of Home-stay Champions
If you are interested in hosting one of our fabulous international students, please contact Lluani Williams via the College number: 9428-8955, or by email: lluani.williams@mgc.vic.edu.au , or you can pop by my office in room 302. We are always looking for new Melbourne Girls’ College home-stay families.