Alumni Conversation

Taking the leap to study abroad

By Luke Weng

Q. What was the reason that you wanted to study overseas?

A. There were a few reasons why I wanted to study overseas. I wanted to expand my horizons. I also wanted to develop my academic and social skills. Finally, I believed that studying in Australia would allow me to have more choice when it came to universities.

Q. Why did you choose Kilvington?

A. I chose Kilvington because it is a partner school of my previous school in China - West Yan'an Middle School. Since Year 8, I was able to develop an understanding of Kilvington. I was attracted by the School and what I believed would be a fantastic new experience. 

Q. What subjects did you do at Kilvington?

A. EAL (English as an Additional Language), Maths Methods, Specialist Maths, Chemistry and Physics.

Q. How did you find the transition to studying in Australia?

A. For me, I found that studying in Australia is better than in China. I enjoyed the style of the community at Kilvington, such as nice schoolmates and teachers, and various activities. I will never forget my time at Kilvington.

Q. What were some of your favourite moments at Kilvington?

A. The first one was at my Year 9 City Camp. We performed, as part of an activity, a performance called 'WeChat Talk'. I yelled out, "Why do we use WeChat? Because We Chat!" Everyone laughed and I felt really good. The second one was a Year 10 activity where we made protein balls as part of a fundraiser. 

Q. What advice would you give other students thinking about studying in Australia?

A. Firstly, be active at school. Secondly, try to chat in English as much as possible at Kilvington. 

Thirdly, do all homework and ask the teacher questions to improve your academic skills for VCE. And lastly, but also most importantly, learn EAL/English as much as possible! Because the English/EAL score is really important for whether you can go to university in Victoria.

Q. Where are you studying now?

A. I'm studying a Bachelor of Engineering at Monash University.

Q. What do you hope to do as a career?

A. Not sure. Probably running a business in the future.

Q. What have you taken away from your experiences at Kilvington that will help you in your future?

A. How to adapt to another culture and how it helped to improve my English.