Nan: I’m from China, from Shenzhen, which is a very big city near Hong Kong. When I first came to Australia, I chose the city called Bundaberg for my year eight and nine.
Karen: Being in a regional centre you really experience that true side of Australia. Most regional centres are close to the beach. We have great opportunities to engage with flora and fauna. From when our international students first arrive at Bundaberg State High School we start the goal setting process. So, they sit down with myself as the principal, our guidance staff, homestay coordinator and usually the year level coordinator.
Nan: And then I made my transition to Queensland Academy for Creative Industries in Brisbane.
Karen: We realised that we needed to make sure that she had every opportunity to reach the goal that she did. We started talking about the opportunities that she had either by staying in Bundaberg and moving onto university that way or by being somewhere like the Queensland Academies so that she could actually be around like-minded kids.
Nan: The international baccalaureate (IB) program will be more challenging comparing to the ATAR program and you will be more developed in each area than normal because the IB will teach you to be more independent and you have to be more creative than just studying and listening to what the teacher says.
Pam: It’s their educational progress, socialisation, their mental welfare and wellbeing. So, there’d many layers. And being the international coordinator has something that I’m finding absolutely I’m passionate about and my passion comes from watching my students and how they embrace the culture of Australia, their new friends, their new language, the education. So, I get my inspiration from my students.
Nan’s mother (In Chinese): I want to bring Chinese culture and values into my daughters’ life here, so she can have a balanced experience and a healthy life.
Nan (in Chinese): A good plan for life?
Nan’s mother (In Chinese): Yes, a good plan for life.
Nan (in Chinese): Are you proud of me? You have to answer the question.
Nan’s mother (In Chinese): I am so proud of you.