We are really fortunate to have our school culture enriched by culturally diverse students. In February we had some more students arrive from Brazil, Italy and Argentina. They have all settled in and are enjoying their time at Don College.

Imagine landing in a foreign land where everything is different. One of our students had to catch Bus 40. They diligently searched for the Bus 40 and jumped in. Unfortunately it was not Bus 40. It was a random bus that, just like every school bus in Tasmania, it displays the “40” kilometre school zone sign.

We welcome all of our students on exchange and here is an impression from a few of them.

Felix – There are so many subjects to choose from and you can focus on the subjects you like.

Lisa – When it feels like everything for me is getting out of control the teachers are so helpful.

Mario – I have had great experiences. In Outdoor Education we learn surfing and Mountain Biking.

Giulia – Don is beautiful in its diversity.

Fran – I am really happy at Don. It is so different to my school in Brazil. Don is big and fun.

Maria – It is cool! It is so different to my school in Brazil.

Rachele – It is so different to my school. At Don we have computers and great materials for Art and everything you could want.

Maria:

My name is Maria Eduarda, I live In Cascavel Paraná, in the south of Brazil. I am doing an exchange of approximately five months. This exchange was given by the government of the state of Paraná, where they chose a thousand students from all over Paraná to enjoy such an experience. Five destination countries were chosen where they were divided for these students to stay. Australia was one of my first choices to do my exchange, because the culture and new landscapes are what catch my attention here. I’m looking forward to getting to know more of the city and its most beautiful features. I’m loving the beaches here, for sure one of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve seen.

Estefany:

My name is Estefany, I'm 16 years old. I was born in Curitiba but I currently live in Laranjeiras do Sul, Paraná Brazil, and I really like living there. I'm doing a five-month exchange program and it's been one month since I've been here and I'm loving being here, although I can't communicate much with English but little by little I'm going. I want to visit several places, make friends, get to know the culture of Tasmania. It's been a good experience.

Mayara:

Hello, my name is Mayara de Sousa Caszewski but you can call me May. I'm from Brazil and this year I'm going to spend five months in Tasmania to improve my English and get to know a little more about the culture, different foods, music... I'm really looking forward to getting to know the wonderful places that are here and the different animals that they don't have in Brazil. My best experiences were learning to surf, showing a little of Brazilian cuisine, and having the opportunity to study in a school with great teachers and much better teaching.

Fran:

My name is Francielly Karolliny Silva de Paula, I'm 16 years old, I was born in São Paulo, the largest metropolis in Brazil, I currently live in Quatigua Parana. I'm going to stay in Tasmania (Australia) for five months. I'm really looking forward to improving my English and therefore talking a lot with my host family, my teachers and new friends, and it will make my life/studies a lot easier. So far I've been through a lot of good times. Missing my family and friends is something that accompanies me every day, but thanks to the people who are around me, caring and helping me, I'm sure that my exchange will only get better, I've already participated in a picnic, learned to surf, I taught Brazilian dances to my host family. The exchange of culture will never be lacking!