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For the past 12 months, the College had the pleasure of hosting Arianna Da Boit, an exchange student from Italy. Arianna’s journey to Australia wasn’t easy, it began with a massive application process filled with paperwork, interviews, and lots of preparation. Once selected, she landed here at GSSC, ready to embrace the adventure. In time, she settled in, making plenty of friends, trying new things, and getting a real taste of Aussie life. Over the past 11 months, she’s lived with three different host families, each offering a unique experience and helping her understand the different ways Aussie families live day-to-day. Arianna left at the end of last week, but before she did, we caught up with her to see what she thought of her time down under.
When asked why she chose Australia for her exchange year, Arianna said it came down to three options Australia, America, or Canada. She’d already been to the U.S. for a short exchange and wanted something completely different, a whole new experience. Canada, although beautiful, was ruled out because of the freezing winters (we don’t blame her – minus 20°C sounds intense!). So, Australia it was, a warm, sunny place where she could improve her English and explore a totally new culture.
School life here has been quite the change compared to back home in Italy. In Italy, school starts early at 8 am and finishes around 1 pm with only one short break but lots more homework. Arianna says she used to spend up to four hours every afternoon studying. In contrast, she loves the balance of Australian school life starting later, finishing later, but with longer breaks during the day and less homework. That means more time for netball, yoga, hanging out with friends, and spending quality time with her host families.
Of course, adjusting to Aussie slang took a bit of time. Even though she had been learning English since the age of six, Arianna said it took about five months before she could fully understand conversations with her friends and host family. What surprised her the most was how much Australians love to shorten words. She also found it funny (and slightly frustrating) that Aussies don’t eat a proper lunch and dinner is the main meal of the day here. And don’t get her started on winter apparently, it’s warmer outside than inside most houses here in Australia!
Arianna’s favourite class at GSSC has been private study something she doesn’t have in Italy. She enjoys having time in class to complete her work, which gives her more freedom after school to enjoy other activities.
So what’s next for Arianna? After she returns to Italy, she still has one more year of high school. Then, she’s considering taking a gap year to travel before heading to university, most likely in a scientific field. Long term, she’d love to return to Australia for a few years as her exchange experience has opened her mind to new opportunities and helped shape her future goals.
Her advice for any future exchange students coming to GSSC is to “pick subjects you can’t do back home and say yes to every opportunity. It’s the best way to make friends and really enjoy the experience.”
As Arianna’s time with us comes to an end, we’re excited to continue welcoming international students into our school community. At the end of this month, we’ll be joined by a short-term exchange student from Indonesia who will stay with us for three months. Then, next month, a student from France will arrive for a full 12-month exchange. We’re looking forward to sharing Aussie culture with them and learning more about theirs in return
Grazie, Arianna we’ve loved having you as part of our school community!
As Victoria celebrates Education Week under the theme ‘Celebration of Cultures’, GSSC proudly stands as a vibrant example of multiculturalism in action.
Home to a richly diverse student and staff population, GSSC is more than just a school, it’s a reflection of the broader Shepparton community. At GSSC, culture is not just acknowledged, it is embraced, celebrated, and woven into the very fabric of daily learning.
"One of our core values is respect, that is, showing care for ourselves and others and valuing difference,” GSSC Executive Principal Barbara O’Brien said.
“That is something we always try to instil here at GSSC, through our learning and cultural celebrations."
From Harmony Day and NAIDOC Week to Refugee Week and Africa Week, GSSC ensures students have opportunities to explore and share their cultural identities all year round. These celebrations are more than events, they are powerful platforms for learning and connection.
"We take great pride in our rich cultural diversity and are committed to fostering a school environment where respect and inclusion are deeply valued and actively promoted," Ms O'Brien said.
Supporting this vision are GSSC’s dedicated Multicultural Liaison Officers, representing backgrounds including Pasifika, Afghani, Arabic and African communities. Their presence ensures that students and families receive the cultural support they need both in and outside the classroom. Additionally, GSSC’s Koorie Education staff are embedded across all neighbourhoods and at the Nurtja Campus, with the College also providing culturally safe spaces such as a prayer room and yarning circle.
"We instil in our students the importance of embracing each other’s differences, championing racial tolerance, and ensuring cultural safety for all," Ms O'Brien said.
“At GSSC, culture isn’t a one-week conversation. It’s a shared commitment - one we proudly uphold every day.”
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