Students Enjoying Life Down Under

A group of students studying for a BTEC National Diploma in Engineering at Canterbury College have been reporting back on life down under as they take part in an exchange programme to Australia.

Sam Clark, 18, is at Sydney Institute while Curtis Dean, also 18 and John Haddon, 21 are studying at The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University.

Sam, who’s from Goodnestone, said: “When I first arrived in Sydney I was blown away by the heat, it was 42⁰c and I had travelled in jeans and a jacket! My accommodation here is awesome; I’m staying at Urbanest Student Accommodation on Quay Street which is brand new.” Sam added: “The Sydney Institute campus is huge but I have got used to it already and the tutors are really nice. I think I’ve settled into the Australian way of life, Sydney is such a cool city.”

The second year students arrived in Australia last month and will continue their studies there until June. Students who wanted to be considered for the exchange programme had to go through a selection process which included a written application and an interview to prove their capability of being an ambassador for Canterbury College.

John, who lives in Dover, said: “I love it here in Melbourne and have already met many new friends. I get on really well with the other students staying with us and we’ve all joined a gym. The course is going well so far and away from studying there’s always plenty to do.”

Curtis, who is also from Dover, said: “I’ve settled in really well and made loads of new mates. We’ve already covered a lot of the work we’re doing at the moment but it’s good to have some revision. I’ve decided I’m going to try and get some part-time work while I’m here as the cost of living is quite high.”

This will be the final group of students to take part in this particular exchange programme (The International Vocational Knowledge and Skills Exchange) which started in 2008 and finishes in September.

The programme was set up to encourage the mobility of students and staff from EU countries and Australia – four European partners and two Australian partners have been involved.

Arabella Nairne, Canterbury College International Manager said: “This exchange programme has not only helped the students with their academic studies but also provided them with vital life skills and an increased self-esteem.” She added: “Partnerships with international colleges, schools and universities also offer staff the opportunity to develop their own knowledge which helps develop the curriculum and use different teaching methods.”

View student reports from Australia.