My parents thought Australia would offer me a great education and a great experience. They were right.

Essendon is such a clean suburb and not crowded. I really like that. And Essendon Keilor College has beautiful historic buildings that have been updated and include the latest technology. It’s fantastic.

I think it’s the people that make EKC special though. They are so kind. You always get a smile. You don’t need to be afraid of being alone. When I get homesick I’ve got friends to support me. Of course, I’m in touch with my parents often too.

You get all the support you need at school from students and teachers. I’ve made so much progress with the help of my teachers, other international students and the local students too. We push each other along. The teachers are so nice. They guide and help you. They are also great at helping us work through what courses to take. I want to do Chinese medicine so I’m taking lots of science classes.

The learning here is very different. The schedule allows time for activities like basketball. I’m in a competition that plays for fun. It’s also great that there are students at EKC from all around the world. It means I get to learn about many cultures – what’s polite and what isn’t.

I was so timid and shy when I got here but everyone was friendly. It made me relax so I could learn. I can feel it giving me confidence. These days I’m more outgoing and willing to speak up.

Essendon Keilor College is small, but the powerful kind of small that comes from everyone knowing each other. It gives the school its beautiful spirit. EKC gives me so much and it will do the same for you. Enjoy the welcome and making friends from all over the world!

Studying abroad was my dream. I chose to come to Melbourne because it’s such a livable city – number 1 in the world. I like its multicultural feel. I wasn’t too shocked when I arrived because there are Vietnamese people at school and in the local community.

International students really fit in because of the welcome. It’s multicultural flavour is incredible. Being at Essendon Keilor College is just a great experience.

The teachers are so supportive and helpful. They help me understand what I need to know, are always available and make sure we have the right books and resources.

The education system here allows me to specialise earlier, which I really like. I can take 5-6 subjects related to my future plans. I want to study Communications, so media and business management is important for that. I also like the fact that there’s time to grow my passions and pursue hobbies. I’m running for a leadership position and I’ve enjoyed doing community service.

I’ve become more independent and mature over the past year. I think differently and my mind has opened up. I’ve learned from how others live and I understand myself more. I’ve made friends and my daily experience has improved.

Definitely come to Australia and EKC – I feel so lucky to be here. It’s very normal to struggle at first, but it’s so worth it for the great experience. Don’t worry about any language barrier. Be brave. It won’t be a barrier for long! All the support you get makes it easier to adapt. But remember, the more effort you put in, the more you will achieve.

Melbourne was an obvious choice for me because seven of the top 100 universities in the world are here and the lifestyle is great. I’m hoping to go to the University of Melbourne after Year 12. I also like the weather including the dramatic season changes.

I’m loving it at Essendon Keilor College. The school has historic buildings but is modern at the same time - and it’s so clean. Everyone in our multicultural community is very friendly. I meet someone new every day and am learning so much about different ways of thinking.

My homestay parents and friends helped me settle in quickly. They gave me lots of advice and all the help I need. I’ve found support is offered before you even ask for it.

The students and teachers are just lovely. It makes me happy which puts me in the mood to learn. I really like that the learning is student-centred. Teachers point the way by giving the topic and main point then the learning direction is up to you. The choice is fantastic and learning has nothing to do with repeating information like a parrot.

I’ve only been here a short time but I think my pronunciation is better and I’m more talkative. Your English improves and you learn more by getting involved in activities outside the classroom. I play basketball and badminton and I really like drama classes. I play the guitar too and am looking forward to being in the School Production.

I’d recommend EKC because whoever you are and whatever you want to do, there’s a place for you here.

I came to study in Australia because it offers great education and Melbourne has great universities like the University of Melbourne and Monash University. It’s really safe here too.

We chose Essendon Keilor College because it has a reputation for delivering a great education. Caring staff have offered excellent learning opportunities for a long time – more than 20 years.

The multicultural student population is attractive too. Appreciating the value of different cultures and different thinking comes with living and learning with students from so many different countries.

The teachers are friendly and really want to help you, and it’s easy to make friends with international and local students. My homestay is also great. It’s like a real home. I feel part of the family. I got lots of support to manage daily life when I first arrived. I appreciated help with setting up banking and getting to know the public transport system.

My English has improved so much which makes it easier to make friends. Being in the School Production orchestra helped too. I got to know the local students better and it was really great fun.

I’d like to go to the University of Melbourne to study commerce when I finish here. I’m grateful for the subject selection and course advice that has helped me go in that direction.

The environment, the people, the learning, the welcome … there are so many good reasons to be part of this school.