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Read about our International Students experiences

What made you want to study abroad in Victoria?
Tat: The opportunities and education here made me want to study abroad in Victoria
Shirley: The reason for me to come here and study aboard is because I love the learning environment here, where I could be engaged to do what I like to do. Also, I love the teachers here.
Jelto: My main reason to study abroad was for the experience. I looked through a bunch of options and in the end, I decided on Melbourne as it seemed like the best option for me.
Yuta: I was not good at English in Japan. That's why, I thought need to get more opportunities for studying English, and I decide to study abroad.

What has been your favourite part of TC?
Tat: My favourite part of TC is that we can choose our subjects ourselves.
Shirley: Art is my favourite part of TC.
Jade: My favourite part of TC is the TC environment, tools, subject, students, and friendly teachers [who are] helpful and support students with disabilities.
Jelto: Definitely the Animals' Program. Working with all the different animals is just a lot of fun and something I never got to do like that before.

How are classes different in your home country from classes here?
Tat: First of all, classes here are using English as their major language for teaching. Besides, classes here provide more opportunities for us to communicate with each other.
Jade: The classes here are different from my home country’s classes. There are many subjects to choose, many equipment and tools to support the subject and the way to learn here is also different, students can use computers to take notes and look up to learn.
Jelto: The freedom to choose every single one of the classes I want to take is the biggest difference I'd say. The content, complexity and way of teaching may not be the same but they aren't too different either.
Santiago: When it comes to classes, there are A LOT of differences between my country and TC. First, I’m able to choose my subjects, in any year level, something that is not offered in Venezuela/Ecuador. Second, there’s a range of options, I can’t do Media, Drama, Food tech, Art and other subjects like that in Latin America, it’s amazing! And last but not least, teachers are more comprehensive and friendly here. More than a teacher, it feels like a friend who is trying to help you. This really helped me to feel included when I first came here.
Yuta: Australian’s schools allow you to choose subjects you want to study. There are lot of opportunities that students talk to teachers more than Japanese schools.

What advice would you give to a new international student?
Shirley: Please do not take the content of the lessons too seriously when you first come here. Also, the lessons are all great fun and interesting except that there are only maximum four lessons in a day.
Jelto: Get out there and experience stuff! You're only here for so long, take this opportunity to get to know new people and this country.
Santiago: My advice to a new international student would be to look for a community or club to join so you can make friends quickly, this helps to reduce homesickness, as you won’t feel as alone. This also will help your English learning, as you’d be in constant touch with English speakers.

TC Alumni

Heejae Lim

Seoul, Korea
2017 to 2021
Studying Bachelor of Engineering, Monash University
Heejae is a drummer. He took drum lessons at school and he was in a few school bands. He enjoyed being part of our performing arts department where he made many friends.
Heejae had some barriers to overcome in year 11 during the COVID lockdowns, but was able to make some positive changes the following year. His hard worked paid off as he was able to get the results to be accepted into Engineering at Monash University.
Heejae:
“TC gave me the opportunity to explore my interests such as music – I did drumming lessons and was part of different bands and performed regularly at school activities and shows. The teachers have been consistently encouraging and inspiring.
TC has a lot of different paths to explore which also created a diverse environment and friendly community. One of the memorable parts of my experience was the supportive, nurturing and caring environment provided by the international team both academically and personally, especially in my last two years doing my VCE and working around lockdown. Thank you, TC.”

**Runqing (Kevin) Zhang**

Sichuan Province, China
2017 to 2021
Studying Bachelors of Science - Environmental Science, Deakin University
Kevin came to TC in 2017 when he was 14 years old. He lived with the same homestay family until he graduated and moved out to live on his own. He still visits his homestay regularly.
Kevin:
"I liked fish and other creatures living in the ocean since I was 4 years old. I studied reptiles as a subject and also Freshwater and Marine Ecology [renamed FISH], my favourite. In the marine ecology class, students take care of different types of fish, we had to make sure they were fed and their tanks were clean. "

Kaho Ueda

Japan
2015-2018
Studying Bachelor of Science, International Hospitality Management,
Sunway University, Malaysia

Watch video on Kaho here

Hyekyunh (Bella/River) Park
2014-2017
Studying Bachelor of Animation, Sheridan College, Canada.

What makes us different

Building Community

One Person Policy
All people will be treated equally regardless of the position they hold.

Wellbeing Framework for the whole school
We believe that all students should have at least one key adult staff member with whom they connect.

We have many clubs to connect students to likeminded people. Community connection is a big part of each students time at TC with events like Swimming Carnival, Athletics Day and smaller at school events helping build bonds beyond the classroom.

We do not use school bells, we do not have a uniform, students are not assigned a year level, instead they are matched to classes based on ability. Collaboration and cross curricular activities are a key part of our strategic plan.

Art and English mural collaboration