International Students

Welcome to our new International Students for 2020!

On 29 January, DSC welcomed more than 20 newly arrived international students who come from China, Vietnam, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Iran, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.

During their Orientation Day, a full program of events over the day covered topics including international student visa conditions, learning to read the timetable, how to use the school diary, College rules, subject selections and how to live with homestay families.

Students enjoyed a welcome lunch which was attended by our DSC principal team, Year level coordinators, some teachers and international student leaders.

The students were very confident, positive, excited and most importantly speak English well.

We will soon launch a 'buddy program', pairing new students with existing international students, offering them support from peers who have adjusted well socially and achieved excellent academic results. 

Sally Huang

Director of International Student Program

Student leaders' reflections:

"The international students’ orientation for 2020 was incredible. Positive energy, excitement and confidence filled the room. I am certain that the students will quickly adjust to their new environment and I look forward to getting to know them better! I will help them by starting conversations, exchanging contacts, showing them around the College and helping them get involved in community."

- Berry E (9E)

"Our new international students are outgoing and great at making conversation. To help them settle into DSC life, I will take them around the school so they know where their classes are and I'll tell them how to prepare for the year ahead." 

– Jenny L (9F)

"They were really confident when introducing themselves to us. If they have any problems at school, they can always come to me for help."

- Cindy L (9G)                                                                              

Australian Air League Award Winner

International student Berry E (9E) recently received several awards from Australian Air League where she is a proud volunteer. Here is her reflection from the Air League Presentation Night.

What awards did you receive at Air League Presentation Night?

I received Best New Cadet award, a Community Service Award, Emergency service badge and Drill Proficiency badge.

What is your reflection of getting these awards?

Joining the Australian Air League makes me feel like I am a part of the country and not just a typical international student. Getting involved in these local communities and interacting with different people every week also helped extend my knowledge about the country. For example, I learned how to sing the national anthem, how to salute in a proper way, and witnessed the local citizenship ceremonies. I believe that the Australian Air League benefitted me both socially and academically. I would say that it is also an opportunity for other students to learn, gain knowledge and be part of the community.

Who assisted you during this award winning journey?

My family, teachers and the Australian Air League members made this award-winning journey possible.

Vietnamese Students Settle in

to DSC life!

DSC now has eight students from Vietnam in our International Student Program. They are a close group of hard-working students who want to achieve academic and social success. Harry B (11A) is a Vietnamese student leader who is passionate about helping new Vietnamese students adjust to life at the College.  He shares his thoughts about how to support our new students:

What do you think about our new Vietnamese international students?

I'm glad that we have more Vietnamese international students at DSC. They bring so many positives such as having a big group of friends to share our lives with, help each other in our studies and encourage more involvement within the school.

The new students are all great! Don and Kella are trying hard to learn our new way of studying. We will also look after our little brother Tran H-G, and will try hard to care for him.

How can you help the students settle in?

Don is in Year 11 and I will pass on study tips and will help him with assignments. With Kella, she has great English skills so I will help her adjust to life in Australia. I made a FaceBook group for Year 11 students so we can share stories and help each other study. With our little brother, I don’t think I can help him study but I will try to get him used to school life at DSC.

In the future, I hope to plan a trip for all our Vietnamese students once they have settled in. I think we will make a very solid group!