International Learning Centre

Dear All,

Happy Birthday to five of our wonderful international students: Will, Chris, Jeremy, Jim and Zac! We thought it would be nice to share their thoughts on their birthday experiences in Australia, with many experiencing their first birthday away from their families.

Will : “I had my 16th birthday celebration in Australia. It was very meaningful and unforgettable! It was the first time that I went to the shop to order the cake and choose the gift by myself, while everything was organised by my family in China. I live with my mother here and my mother cooked a very delicious dinner, though my father and grandparents were not with us. I had a wonderful day and I think I became more independent.”

Chris : “This was the first time I celebrated my birthday (16th) in Australia with my homestay families and the other homestay students without my parents. I was very touched when I got home seeing the variety of foods and the beautiful homemade birthday cake on the table! My host lit candles, and everyone sang the Happy Birthday song for me. I cut the cake with a good wish! I am very lucky to have a caring and responsible host family. They are my special home in my life.”

Jim and Jeremy: They both had an 18th birthday party with their friends and received a lot of gifts from them. Jeremy was very lucky to receive a pair of special shoes from Jim. We celebrated their birthday in the ILC  by singing "Happy Birthday" in Chinese and English.

Zac: He reflected that his 18th birthday is the end of childhood and a beginning of adulthood, which is the new point of one's life. He said “I felt very fortunate that my adult life could start here in Australia. I enjoyed the study experience here and hope to become a confident and successful man.”

We are so pleased to see that our students are settling in and adjusting well in Australia. We are proud to see them growing and becoming more mature and confident.

Wishing you all a Happy Easter and a restful school holiday break.

Qun Joan Mao

International Student Coordinator