Living in Victoria

Life in Victoria, Australia’s country regions is a great alternative to Melbourne. You’ll get a strong sense of community and direct experience of a very special sort of life.

Living in Victoria’s unique locations

When you go to one of our regional schools, you’ll live in Victoria’s most beautiful locations and communities, including:

• Gippsland
• Mildura
• Mornington Peninsula
• the Grampians (Stawell)
• the Yarra Valley
• the Dandenong Ranges
• the Great Ocean Road (Warrnambool, Geelong).

Each region has a unique local culture, landscape, history and community. It’s this changing mix of features, people and places that makes living in Victoria truly amazing.

Space to think

Relax in the wide, open spaces and clean air. It will lift your spirits, increase your confidence and help you get a clear focus on your studies. The high quality of life in Victoria means your time will be active but also peaceful.

Access to the city

When you leave the hustle and bustle of city life you won’t miss out on the city action. Melbourne is only a few hours by car, bus or train. Victoria is one of Australia’s smallest states so nothing is too far away. You’ll have plenty of things to do when you live in Victoria.

Beach living

Live the real Australian beach lifestyle in one of our coastal communities:

• organise barbecues with friends
• play beach cricket
• run along the sand for exercise
• settle into a peaceful routine with a daily walk.

Become a true ‘local’

In regional Victoria, you’ll be one of only a handful of international students. So everyone will get to know who you are and understand how you fit in.

Local students will try to involve you as ‘one of them’ and you’ll make friends a lot faster. There’s a big adjustment initially, but within no time you’ll feel like part of the group. You’ll soon get to know Victoria’s people and culture.

Community links

When you’re active and getting out and about, you’ll quickly get drawn into the community. Usually the easiest way to get involved is to join a local club or sign up for a popular activity. It could be a:

• sports team
• local drama group
• community radio station
• surf club.

Challenges that inspire

You might feel nervous when you first start in a regional school. Everyone seems to know each other. But the rewards can also be far greater than in a big city school.

When you become part of a close knit group your English will improve dramatically. This will directly benefit your studies as well as your general confidence and happiness.

When you know you can communicate with almost anyone, in any situation, you’ll feel great. This is much easier to achieve in a small regional community because you’re in personal contact with more people.

The homestay experience

In regional communities the sense of family is very strong. That’s what makes a homestay experience in regional Victoria so special. Find out more about homestay life in Victoria.