English and Adventure in Sydney: Paula
With stunning coastlines and beautiful sunny weather, Australia is a popular destination for Kaplan students – imagine spending half a year in the cultural hub of Sydney, with the allure of the ocean and Manly beach within reach at any moment. Well that's exactly what Brazilian student Paula Puhl did when she studied at our English school in Sydney Manly.
Paula made the most of her time studying abroad by exploring the most beautiful natural landscapes in Australia, making friends from all over the world and improving her English, all at the same time! She returned home with unforgettable experiences and an apprenticeship that opened doors for further professional success. We asked Paula to reflect on her experiences and share stories of her time in Australia. Take a look at her story!
A home away from home: Kaplan Sydney Manly
About a year ago I got on an airplane without knowing what sort of experience I was going to have. I was anxious and worried about traveling alone to a place I've never been before, especially a place where the native language was not the same as my own.
My destination was Manly, a beautiful beach 30 minutes from the center of Sydney, Australia. When I arrived, I was greeted by my host family. They were very kind and treated me like their own daughter during 28 weeks I lived abroad.
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Adapting to Australian life
Adapting to this new life was much easier than I imagined. I felt at home with my host family and was quickly surrounded by friends from all over the world. Waking up every morning and going to Kaplan made me happy. The school is situated on the seafront and has a beautiful view. I had super fun classes with amazing teachers. The method used by the school is very dynamic and allows for lots of interaction between students, so it’s easy to make new friends. After class, my friends and I would visit different beaches that were close by.
Gaining fluency in English
I returned to Brazil with 3 certificates, including my Cambridge English certificate, which was very rewarding because of all the effort I put into becoming fluent in English. I’ll never forget that studying abroad is so much more than just learning a new language; it’s becoming an independent and flexible person. You’ll realize that the world is much bigger than what you are accustomed to and that there are cultures and viewpoints different from our own. Homesickness is a good thing because it will make you learn to value what you have and help you discover that the meaning of life is not material goods, but the people around you and the new discoveries you have.
For anyone who is about to embark on this journey, I want to wish you happiness, love, simplicity and pleasure in learning. Enjoy every second because that’s the best way to ensure you leave with good memories and nostalgia.
Have you studied in Australia or at another Kaplan school? Share your experiences with us in the comment section below or on our social media channels.
