Hedda W, Norway | Study Abroad student 2024-2025
Hi, I’m Hedda from Norway. My exchange year at Corinda State High School was full of amazing experiences that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
I came to Australia without many expectations and was both excited and nervous about starting at a completely new school. From day one, I felt so welcomed and supported. Mr Breen, the International Program Coordinator, made everything less scary and was always ready to help, answer questions, or just have a chat.
The first week was full of new impressions, but the students and teachers at Corinda are so friendly and understanding that I quickly felt at home. I made friends by challenging myself to meet new people, and being part of such a supportive community really helped me gain confidence.
Living with my Homestay family was another highlight. They were always interested in how I was doing, and spending time with them helped me feel at home and enjoy Australian life even more. My advice is to be open, talk a lot, and embrace every opportunity. They will support you and make your stay unforgettable.
I already miss Corinda, and I encourage future students to make the most of this unique experience. It’s truly something you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life.
The Lewington Family, Forest Lake, Queensland | Homestay provider
Our family have been hosting international students for over six
years. The experience is rewarding and life changing for both the
students we host and us as a Homestay family. We have enjoyed hosting
students from around the globe and learning about their culture and experiences
and introducing them to ours.
Being part of the growth and development of
these young people is an honour and a privilege. We have made some
lifelong connections and bonds that our family will cherish for years to come. Our sons have learnt what it truly means to be global citizens of this world,
such a crucial life lesson in our current climate. The hardest thing
is saying goodbye when the time comes to an end as we grow to care about these
young men as if they were our own sons. Luckily, they all stay in
touch! I would have no hesitation in recommending the Homestay
program to any family. The staff at Corinda State High School have been a
pleasure to deal with and have been exceptional in their communication and
support.
Michele Mazza, Italy | Study Abroad student 2019
Hello, if you are reading this it means that you are about to do one of
the best experiences of your life! My first day at Corinda was in
October 2019. Before coming to Corinda I was really excited, I searched for
the school online and I found out that I could do an online tour of the school, and
the first thing that I noticed was that it was really big, especially the Sports Centre.
On the first day that I came to school, Mr Breen welcomed us at the uniform
shop to buy our uniforms, then took us for a school tour. We
then went to his office where he explained all the rules to us and he asked us
what subject we would like to do. I had chosen English, Maths, French, Biology,
Hospitality and Social Community Studies. My personal favourite was French
because I love languages in general. The environment at Corinda is very
good and the teachers are helpful, patient, friendly and curious about your
home country.
The school starts at 8:40am and finishes at 2:50pm, we have four periods each
day and two breaks of 40 and 30 minutes each. We as International Students have
an office where we can go when we have problems or we just want to ask
something in general. The International office is really helpful and they are
always there to make us feel very supported.
Being an International student means that you might have to live with a Homestay family. I consider myself really lucky with my host family placement, they
are the best that I could ask for. From the beginning they welcomed me with
open arms, making me feel really comfortable, like I was at home. They wanted me
to know as much as possible about Australia so almost every weekend they took
me for trips around Brisbane. We also did a road trip to Sydney, which made me
feel really grateful and because of that, every time I come to Australia I will
always know a popular landmark.
I am very glad to have done this experience, and meeting very special
people that I will know for all my life. Thank you for everything Corinda.