An international student experience

In China, I attended a public school where my school day lasted nine hours. In Australia, however, I spend a maximum of six hours at school each day. The learning environment is also quite different—China’s curriculum is fast-paced, highly structured, and exam-focused. In contrast, Australian education emphasizes independence, critical thinking, and group discussions, with more flexible and diverse assignments.

Another major difference is how I spend my time outside of school. In China, my free time, weekends, and after-school hours were mostly spent on homework or improving my academic performance. In Australia, I have the opportunity to explore a variety of skills. For example, I help with photography at school events and rehearse with the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir every Tuesday evening. Occasionally, I perform at churches or the Melbourne Town Hall. 

Photo: Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir

My life has become much more vibrant, and I’ve realized that academic success is not the only measure of achievement.

Studying in Australia has also allowed me to meet friends from diverse cultural backgrounds and learn about different traditions. In this ever-changing, multicultural environment, I have gained valuable experiences. Of course, there were challenges—such as the initial language barrier and adjusting to a new system—but compared to when I first arrived, I have grown so much. I have become more independent and more confident in facing challenges.

My time at Box Hill High School has truly been an eye-opening experience and I am grateful for this journey of growth.