Student News

Carolina, our new exchange student from Argentina

Bienvenida Carolina! Welcome to Mount Beauty Secondary College.

Where are you from? 

I am from Funes, a small city in the Santa Fe province of Argentina.

What is the population of Funes?

About 23, 500 people .  It is a rural area – but like a city to here.

What was your first impression when you came here?

So many trees! Even in Melbourne I couldn't believe how many trees there are here!

How old are you?

16.

How many languages can you speak?

Spanish, English and Portugese (a little)

What's your school like back home?

It is much bigger than here - about 1000 students.  We went to school from 8am - 4pm.  Yes - we had to wear uniform as well.  Maths was my favourite subject back home.

Why did you choose Australia/Mount Beauty? 

The company I came with – I could choose between here, USA or Canada. I came here without knowing much about the culture – i tried not to google anything - but i'm learning with the help of my family here.

What were your biggest fears in coming to Australia?

Spiders and kangaroos!

What's your favourite sport? 

Volleyball.

What is the weirdest Australian food you have tasted so far? 

Vegemite! Yuck! I hate it!

What food do you miss the most from home?  

Milanesas 

(editor frantically googling...)(Noun. milanesa f (plural milanesas) a thin slice of beef, dipped into beaten eggs, seasoned with salt and other condiments (like parsley and garlic), dipped in breadcrumbs and shallow-fried in oil.) Yum! 😋

Do you have pets back home? 

A cat named Balu

What is an interesting fact about Argentina that we might not know? 

We always share mate tea together, drunk through a silver straw.

Have you travelled overseas before? 

Yes - to Brazil, Dominican Republic, Uraguay with my family.  Travelling here is my first overseas trip without my family.

What is your favourite Australian animal? 

Kangaroos - they are everywhere!

Where are you interested in traveling in Australia? 

Everywhere! I will travel to Sydney in the next holidays.

What is your favourite subject so far at school? 

Media with Ms McCraw and Maths with Mr Davies.

Anyone here at school to speak Spanish to?  

Greeny speaks to me in Spanish! 

Have you been confused by any Australian slang? 

Yes! Everyone says “surely” all the time.  I was so confused!

Who is in your family back home?

I have 2 older sisters who study and work and my Mum and Dad own a sports clothes shop.

Have you been to the snow before?  

Once – more than 10 years ago. I am excited to go here.

What’s the weather like at home? 

Very hot in summer, not that cold in winter. 

How long will you stay here?  

5 months with the Grayling family - Vicky, Simon, Madox & Lexie.

Favourite Music?

Wos (Argentine rapper) and Dusdavo Cerati (Argentine rock musician)

What are you enjoying doing with your new family?

Going for walks, playing cards, dancing and hiking.

Favourite Aussie food so far? 

Meat pies! (with bbq sauce!)

How do you say hello in Spanish?

Hola!

Thank you Carolina - it was a delight to talk to you.  We wish you all the best for your time here.