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Information
 Interview with Isabella (1st August 2005)
Name: Isabella Bee
Age: 17
From: Hong Kong
Number of years/month studying in Hervey Bay: 1.5 years
Institution Name:
Fraser Coast Anglican College (private school)
Year Level/Tertiary Level: Senior Secondary Year 11
1. Why did you decide to study in Australia? Firstly, I
wanted to improve my English speaking and listening abilities. This is
something I was lacking while learning English in Hong Kong, which
mainly focuses on grammar, and cannot really assist with communicating
with native English speakers.
Secondly, I had previously experienced a one month study tour in
Brisbane, which was another reason why I made the decision to study in
Australia. It is a great way to learn Australian culture, experience the
safe environment and nice people, and to make Australian friends.
2. What are the advantages of studying in Hervey Bay? Hervey
Bay’s Fraser Coast Anglican College provides extensive care and support
for overseas students; the teachers here want to help us, and are
willing go extra mile. For example, when my biology assignment was due;
teacher Ms. Ferguson just gave up her lunch time to help me check my
assignment.
3. Have you experienced any culture shock? Yes!
Firstly, the food. I wasn’t used to day to day Australia meals, such as
steak, potato, and sandwich lunches.
Secondly, the sport. Hong Kong does not have sporting culture like
Australia, and I am not a sports person. Additionally, I was a bit
worried that being under the sun too much would make my skin darker.
Thirdly, the English language. I found it hard to communicate.
4. How did you overcome this culture shock? Firstly, with respect to
the food, I am used to eating western meals most times now, and my home
stay family cooks Chinese food sometimes.
Secondly, I do the sport when it is required. However, if I do not have
to, I will not choose to do sport.
Thirdly, for language, with time, my English is getting better.
Therefore, communication is not a problem any more.
5. Where are you living? I live with a home stay family. They are
the parents of past students of Fraser Coast Anglican College. They are
nice people; and like me, they are Christian.
6. What are the advantages of living in this situation for your
study/language? Firstly, my home stay in Hervey Bay is much
better compared to big cities, such as Sydney. I had a home stay
experience in Sydney, the home stay family were very busy, and I felt
they treated me more business like instead of really caring about me;
and they did not provide me with lunch and transport. Hervey Bay is a
small city with a friendly culture, and my home stay family not only
provides me lunch and transport, but also makes me feel a part of the
family. I know they truly care about me.
Secondly, in a home stay situation, you have to speak English if you
want to communicate with them. Therefore, it is a great way to improve
my English.
Thirdly, Hervey Bay has nice environment, safe and quiet. This is very
good for my study.
Also, I like dogs. I have four dogs in Hong Kong. My home stay family
happens to have one great dog, which is great for me.
7. How do you feel about the support provided for international
students in your current institution? Firstly, the ESL class at
Fraser Coast Anglican College has limited student numbers, generally 2
to 6 students per class most times. This allows me to receive great
attention and care from the teacher. My friends in Brisbane are not as
lucky as me, they do not have the sort of care I have due to their large
class sizes.
Secondly, the teachers at Fraser Coast Anglican College really care
about us, not only our study, but also our personal lives, such as our
home stay. The school’s Director of International Students Mr. Hudson
travelled to Hong Kong to meet my parents this year, and I think that’s
really special.
8. During your study in Australia, what has been the most rewarding
moment for you and why? My most rewarding moments were when I
received my two achievement awards. In Hong Kong, you can only get an
award if you are at the top academically. However, in Australia, you do
not have to be the top of the class to receive an award; you can get an
award as long as you work hard.
I feel special because FCAC gives me great encouragement, and made me
want to do my best.
9. What’s your next future plan? Before long, I will
graduate from Fraser Coast Anglican College. I want to get a good OP, so
I could get into an Australian university in Melbourne or Sydney, Or
perhaps I can study in a university in America.
10. Why would you recommend Hervey Bay (your institution) as a good
place to study? Firstly, Hervey Bay does not have big shopping
centers. Therefore, I do not spend too much money.
Secondly, Hervey Bay has quiet environment and not busy, people here are
really nice as well, which make it a great place to live and study.
Thirdly, Fraser Coast Anglican College in Hervey Bay does not have too
many Asian students. This is great for improving my English. Also, this
encourages me to mix with Australian students and teachers, which is a
great way to learn about Australia culture.
Additionally, Fraser Coast Anglican College has open spaces, fresh air
and many green trees. This makes it a pleasant environment in which to
study.
Finally, Fraser Coast Anglican College has small classes (average 15)
comparing to Hong Kong (42 students per class), this enables me to
receive individual attention and great support from teachers.
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