Interview with International Student Sanae Aurelia.

Q1. When did you arrive in Australia, and how long will you study here?

I arrived in Australia at the beginning of July and planned to stay for a full year. Now, I have just four months left of my time here.

Q2. Please tell me about your time with your host family.

I live with a classmate from school and her family. I have two host sisters and a host mother, as well as a host brother who has already moved out, though the family stays in close contact with him over the phone. We also have three adorable dogs and a cat. From the moment I arrived, they welcomed me warmly and made me feel like part of the family.

We love spending time together, whether it’s going to the beach or exploring new cafés. They’ve introduced me to Australian traditions and foods, like Vegemite toast and meat pies. One of my favourite memories is when my host sister took me trick-or-treating around the neighborhood soon after I arrived—we even brought one of the dogs along!

I also attended a semi-formal event with my host sister and our friend. It was an unforgettable night, and we had an amazing time together. The three of us often go to the beach, which is always a lot of fun.

One of the highlights of my stay was watching Cirque du Soleil in Brisbane, which was truly breathtaking. We also visited the beautiful Enchanted Garden and, during Christmas, admired the festive lights at a nearby church.

Over the summer holidays, we spent Christmas with family on the Sunshine Coast. My host sister and I also took trips to the Gold Coast, where we loved tanning by the pool and enjoying the summer sun.

I’m having an incredible time with my host family, and I know I will cherish the remaining months of my stay in Australia.