International Student Profile

Brian Huang, Year 7

As an international student, my first year at Kilvington has been an enjoyable and fulfilling experience.

Before moving to Australia, I attended a public school in Hong Kong, which was both stressful and strict—one of the main reasons I decided to come to Australia.

The day before my first day at Kilvington, I felt anxious and stressed. It was a gamble, and I didn’t know if I’d made the right choice. But on my first day, I was stunned by how much enthusiasm the teachers put into their teaching. They comforted me and introduced me to people who are now my friends.

Besides the teachers, my classmates were positive and energetic. They seemed to have an infinite amount of energy, which was the opposite of what I experienced in Hong Kong, where my classmates were mainly focused on academics.

Over time, I adapted to life in Australia. The teachers were caring and offered help since English is my third language. I now feel more confident speaking English. I even managed to achieve an award in the Australian Math Competition, as Hong Kong was ahead in Math.

There is a big difference between my school in Hong Kong and Kilvington. In Hong Kong, teachers mainly prioritise academics over everything else, but at Kilvington, teachers prioritise students' wellbeing, which makes me feel valued.

Kilvington has given me lots of new and wonderful experiences and a sense of belonging, even as an international student. I’m looking forward to the years ahead with this community.