We had to say goodbye to Bock today and as usual it is with very mixed feelings. Bock has been a real inspiration to us all. His charm humour and willingness to get involved with every aspect of school life and Byron life has been wonderful. Thanks so much for visiting us here in Byron it has been great!!!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from…

I’m Bock, from South Korea, Ansan which is a medium sized city.

What did you do back at home and what made you decide to come to Australia?

In Korea I was studying Microbiology in order to become scientist. I came to Australia and in particular Byron Bay because Korea is a small country and I wanted to experience a big country and I had heard that Byron was full of good beaches and good people.

How long have you been at GV Byron and what are you studying?

I have been at GV Byron for ten weeks and have been studying in the General English program. I have loved the experience because before I came here I didn’t expect to make so many friends with so many people from overseas and to meet such amazing teachers who I had a lot of fun with, and I also learnt lots in a beautiful surrounding. I really enjoyed learning which I have to say is the first time in my life!

What do you plan to do when you have completed your studies with us?

I am off to Bundaberg tomorrow to pick fruit!! Should be fun I hope!!

What has been the single best moment that you have experienced since you joined GV Byron?

The best thing is that I have made lots of friends and had really good teachers whom I will keep in touch with!

What is your favourite place in Byron?

School!! Of course!! Haha..

Thanks Bock. It’s been great to get to know you. We will all miss you and look forward to seeing you on your way back!

At lunch time today I caught up with Jane who finished studying with us here a little while ago. I asked Jane about what she was doing now that she isn’t studying with us here anymore…

Hi Jane, for those of us who don’t know you could you please tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from…

Hi I’m Jane. I’m from South Korea and before I came here I was studying Biology. I think that when I go home I will get a job as a scientist researcher.  I need to do my Phd first!! Which I’m a little worried about, so I’m really trying to make the best of my time here

What did you do back at home and what made you decide to come to Australia?

I came to Australia at the end of October, I had heard great things about Byron and I really wanted to live in a peaceful friendly place.. which Byron is.

How long did you study at GV for Byron and what did you think about it?

I studied here for 8 weeks which was great fun.. as you can see I didn’t want to leave, which is why I come back here every lunch time, to keep practicing my English and see all my friends.

What are you doing now that you have finished studying with us?

I’m on holiday!! Lucky me!  My life is nice at the moment, I wake up, come and visit the school, go to the beach, walk around the city and sometimes in the evenings..I go to the pub!

I was really lucky as I made friends from people around the world. Whilst I was at the school, and so I have lots of people to visit!

If I can I will stay until May. I would like to stay until May because here, I have a perfect life.  It is a wonderful place to improve my English, as there are so many people from other countries. It is really peaceful here and I love Byron so I really want to stay… and maybe I can see a whale!

Thanks Jane.

This afternoon I caught up with Lillian, who is the first student we have had from Mexico, about her life and experience here at GV Byron Bay.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from…

My name is Lillian and I’m from Mexico city, Mexico.               

What did you do back at home and what made you decide to come to Australia?

At home I was an Event planner and set up weddings and exhibitions. I came to Australia primarily to learn English, as I really need to speak excellent English in my work. I also wanted to see if I could do a certificate or diploma in my field or perhaps in marketing, here in Australia and I thought the best way to find out about this was to be here.

I especially wanted to come to Byron Bay, as it’s a really famous place; my agents told me that Byron is a wonderful place to study. I thought it was a really good idea to come to a relaxing, quiet place to wind down after working so hard in Mexico.. and it’s been perfect!

How long have you been at GV Byron and what are you studying?

I am in the Intermediate general English class, and have been here for 6 weeks.

What do you plan to do when you have completed your studies with us?

First, I’m going to Sydney to look for a job in my field. I really hope I will be successful. But if I can’t find the job I want I will travel around Australia and then go home!

What has been the single best moment that you have experienced since you joined GV Byron?

My favorite experience here has been about the way we learn and get taught. By this I mean, the way that the teachers teach here is very good. I really like the structure of the course. I really like working in groups and all of us trying together to understand and use the language fluently. The activities have also been fun. The school itself is great for example; the student lounge is fun, and it’s a good place to chill out. The classrooms are all new and that makes for a good environment to study in. I also have had fun meeting people from all round the world!! Ha.. it looks like there are lots of things I like !

What is your favourite place in Byron?

The beach of course!!! Clarks beach is beautiful, the ocean and waves are amazing. The colour of the water is incredible. I’m still trying to see dolphins, but I think I need to wake up earlier!!!

Is there anything you’d like to add??

I have to say that life here has been really nice. I love the sounds of nature here, and it’s really helped me reflect on my life and make decisions about my future and the direction that I want to take my life. I was here for New Years Eve which was really special, we were we were on the beach, it was really quiet and the sky was beautiful, and I really had a magic moment  thinking about my life. The shops and the shop assistants have been fun too! It’s all really different from Mexico….

The New Year has kicked off to a great start with lots of new students from all over the world.  We’d like to welcome you all and wish you a wonderful stay with us here at GV Byron!

This afternoon I caught up with Andre to have a quick chat about his life in Byron Bay.

Director of Studies Justin and Andre

Please tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from…

Hi my name is Andre. I’m from Brazil. I am laid back kind of guy, I like to go out with my friends and do some sports which is why I decided to live in a beach area and Byron Bay is perfect for this!

What did you do back at home and what made you decide to come to Australia?

I have just finished my degree at University in Sao Paulo, studying a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in management. While I was studying I also worked in the marketing area for a steel factory. This was lots of fun and I learned a lot.

How long have you been at GV Byron and what are you studying?

I have been in Byron since the end of August. I am studying the CAE course in GV Byron Bay. This course is really nice and I’m learning a lot, although it’s been quite challenging for me. I’d rather be on the beach sometimes, but in general I have really liked the course and especially my teacher. Daniel has been really nice to me and has helped me a lot.

What do you plan to do when you have completed your studies with us?

After my CAE exam I will go to Sydney and spend about three or four days there. I have already rented a car for a month and I want to do a quick lap around Australia. I want to see as much of Australia as I possibly can before I have to go home.

What has been the single best moment that you have experienced since you joined GV Byron Bay?

Uhm, well that’s hard to say as there have been so many great moments. But, I guess… Well I loved going to the circus and flying with the trapeze, as well as making lots of friends here. In general it has been great fun, and I really want to say thanks to everyone at GV Byron Bay for being so friendly and kind.

What is your favourite place in Byron?

Well, I’m a surfer and I love the beach. My favourite beach in Byron is “The Pass” because it is where there are some great waves.

Joanne, one of our students from Taiwan, took to the skies today in a tandem hang-glider!

What a great way to spend your Friday afternoon. Joanne said that it was an amazing experience and reports that it “wasn’t scary” and that  ”it was really quite peaceful” gliding above the ocean. Maybe she is just really brave! If you are as brave as Joanne and want to try hang-gliding just see Damian at the front office and he will contact Neil at the hang-gliding school.  It’s a once in a lifetime experience and well worth the price!