Maroochydore State High School - International Program

The Students

Maroochydore State High School started the International program in 2006 with only a small number of students. This has increased and now we have over 20 students enrolled at the school. We limit the number of students from each country to 15 which allows our international students to better integrate with the Australian students. These students come from countries like Germany , Brazil , Italy , China , Japan and Argentina and have chosen our school because of its location close to beautiful beaches, a major shopping centre and the local airport

INTERNATIONAL STAFF

Boyd Jorgenson Principal Boyd has extensive experience in working with International students. He has been heavily involved in Rotary Youth Exchange as a program coordinator and student counsellor and through hosting exchange students from South Africa , Brazil , Finland , Austria and Japan . His own three children each spent a year overseas as international exchange students.
David Samaha Deputy Principal and Manager of the ISP Program David is the Manager of the International Student Program at Maroochydore State High School and takes a keen interest in the welfare and progress of each international student.
Danae Richter ISP Coordinator +61 7 54709333 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Danae is the International student Coordinator, one of the ESL support teachers and also teaches in the Social Science faculty specialising in Legal Studies and SOSE. Danae has travelled extensively overseas and fully understands what it is like to spend time in another country. She will offer support to all the International students throughout their stay at our school.
Brenda Orr Homestay Coordinator Phone: +61 7 54709309 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Brenda is the International Student Homestay Coordinator and spends many hours interviewing homestay families to ensure our international students are placed with suitable families. She enjoys working with the International students and endeavour to ensure all students are happy in their homestay and have a very positive experience whilst in Australia.

	Homestay Accommodation Maroochydore State High School offers a safe and secure homestay experience where you will be provided with a clean, tidy home close to the school and located near public transport. The Homestay Coordinator conducts a series of security checks to ensure that all homestay providers are of a high standard and families are visited on a regular basis to ensure these standards are maintained. The homestay coordinator conducts ongoing reviews of our homestay families to ensure a positive experience is had by all. Life-long friendships are developed with their host families. International students are involved in family activities and staying with an Australian family can be a friendly, enjoyable and safe experience for you.
Airport Transfers The Homestay Coordinator or International Student Coordinator will ensure students are greeted at the Brisbane Airport as soon as they go through customs. They will then be driven straight to the student's homestay accommodation.
	Student Orientation An orientation program is provided by Maroochydore State High School for all new international students. During this program students will receive important information about: General behaviour and expectations Travel Policy Student visa conditions Academic, behaviour and attendance expectations Homestay obligations Personal safety
Ongoing Student Support Services Mrs Richter, the International Student Coordinator is on hand to assist any students with subject changes, timetables, assignment and exam support as well as general personal concerns. For concerns about homestay students should contact Mrs Brenda Orr, the Homestay Coordinator. Ongoing assistance is given in the following areas: Academic support if required Regular student meetings Regular social gatherings Homestay support Guidance and counselling support Attendance monitoring Travel advice and documentation Correspondence with parents/agents. The school also offers the services of a School-based Nurse, two Guidance Officers, a Chaplain and a School-based Police Officer who can offer assistance and guidance in a number of areas.
	E.S.L. Support All International students are expected to participate in a 70 minute English as a Second Language lesson. During this time the students will be given support with homework and assignments as well as having structured English lessons that will help to improve both their spoken and written English.
Curriculum Maroochydore State High School offers a wide range of subjects which cater for international students. Some of the more popular subjects chosen by our overseas students are: Marine Studies which offers sailing, power boating, snorkelling and a three night Sandy Straits camp Film, Television and New Media Geography Hospitality Practices and Studies – Restaurant and Bar Courses Tourism – Gateway School Queensland College of Wine Tourism Engineering Manufacturing – Industrial Technology and Design Music Early Childhood Practices Centre for Creative Industries Health and Recreation eg. Surfing, Rugby League and Excellence in Cricket
	Sport and Extra-curricular Activities Maroochydore State High School offers International students an opportunity to participate in a wide range of sporting activities. Some of these activities involve sports played within the school, whilst others may participate in competitions against other schools. Some of the sports include: Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, Surfing, Rugby League, Australian Football, Cricket, Touch, Football, Cheer-leading, Cross Country, Athletics and Swimming The school also offers a range of other activities for International students. Some of these may include: A trip to Lady Musgrave Island and the Great Barrier Reef is usually organised twice a year, once in Semester 1 and then again in Semester 2. Day trips to Theme Parks eg. Dream World, SeaWorld are also organised International students also have the opportunity to go to Sydney and the Gold Coast with other International students in the Sunshine Coast Alliance. The school can organise private surfing lessons for any students who are interested. We also organise BBQ's for International students and host families on a regular basis.

TESTIMONALS FROM PAST STUDENTS
"I really enjoyed the time over here in Australia . I met a lot people which I became friends with. We did a lot of trips like to Sydney , Cairns and the Outback. I had a really great time here and I would like to come back sometime"
Daniel Merkle – Germany

"I enjoyed living in Australia very much. I will go back to my home with memories of a lot people in my heart and I hope to come back one day. The trip to Lady Musgrave Island was amazing. We had a very good time there. Thanks for everything!"
India Satori – Argentinia

"I enjoyed being in Australia and it was a great experience I will never forget. I made a lot of new friends and will miss them. I especially liked the trip to the Great Barrier Reef and the surfing lessons. I had a great time and I hope to come back one day!" Pia Mader – Germany

"I enjoyed staying in Australia and it was a good experience. It was worth it and I would surely do that again. Lukas Hoeft, Germany I enjoyed my time in Australia and it was a great and unforgettable experience. I really liked and got used to the 'easy-going-lifestyle' of the Aussies and I will really miss it when I'm back in Germany . I made some great friends and will miss them. I went to Sydney – great city! My host family was amazing and I really liked staying with them. I will come back as soon as possible!"
Vanessa – Germany

"I have made a lot of friends, and they are all very kind to me. It is a lot of fun to study here. I am enjoying my life in Australia and it's a very good opportunity to experience all the different things here. I love almost everything about Maroochydore State High School."
Sun – China

"I really enjoyed my stay in Maroochydore as I got to know a new culture and enjoyed living with a local homestay family. I also met a lot of open-minded, friendly and helpful people and made many new friends."
Ansgar – Germany

"I found so many friends here and all the people are friendly. You have a choice of many subjects which are interesting eg. Film and Television and Marine Studies. All the teachers try to help wherever they can. You have good student- teacher relationships, and it is easy to talk to them."
Marius – Germany.

"You see a new country, meet new people and learn new things. I have met some really awesome people and made lots of friends. Thanks for the great time. I am actually sad that it has ended."
Paul – Germany

HOST FAMILY TESTIMONIALS

"I enjoy the different personalities of the students, and learning from them, their culture and family ways. I also feel its an extension of my caring for young children and blending the young with teenagers, creates much fun and laughter at times. I enjoy very much taking them away for weekends and showing them our beautiful country. Their appreciation is very rewarding. It's sad to see them go and also exciting welcoming new students."
‘G' – Kuluin

I enjoy the conversations we have and the endless questions. Their understanding of English has been excellent and I have also learned to economise my English and speak more clearly. I enjoy the ‘extended' friendships with their families via email, and the visits form other friends they have made here in Australia . They give me the opportunity and incentive to visit places that I have not been before, or in some cases, that I haven't visited for a long time. Both Steven and I have renewed friendships through our students playing soccer and we are very proud of their achievements on the field this season. Introducing them to new foods has been both interesting and amusing at times. They have also introduced me to some of the favourite foods and expanded my horizons ( as well as my waistline). I think hosting international students is like most things in life – the more you put into it, the more you get out of it.
'J' – Mudjimba

PARENT TESTIMONALS

"Our son enjoys his stay in Australia and the experience he finds with his host family and at school very rewarding. For that reason, we take this opportunity to thank you and your collegues for your open-mindedness and the care with which you teach our son. The way he experiences the lessons and the school community is very important for his well being and his very positive stay in your country. Thank you very much for all your efforts"

"A" from Germany

Australia Zoo	Underwater World	Learn to Surf
The Ginger Factory	Eumundi Markets	Surf Cams
Alexandra Headland Surf Club	Maroochydore Surf Club	Tourism Sunshine Coast

For more information please contact:

The International Student Coordinator
Mrs Danae Richter
Telephone: 61 7 5409 7333
Fax: 61 7 5409 7300
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it