We don’t get many students from The Netherlands so, as Dutch student Tanja Reitberg is leaving us this week after a six week stay, I asked if she would share her experience with us.

“I had some free time to study abroad and I chose Byron Bay because I had heard from a Melbourne friend that it had beautiful beaches, great weather and friendly people. She was correct. I really like the lifestyle here; it’s relaxed, sociable and easy to meet people.

“I’m training to be an English Teacher back home, so I need my English to be perfect. I don’t like formal study much so I though learning English here – the natural way – would be perfect for me. I was lucky with my class; my classmates are all very nice and my teacher, Julia, is helpful, enthusiastic, happy and motivating. She has also given me lots of extra materials for CPE as I will be taking the exam three weeks after I return home, so I now feel really prepared for this.

“I stayed in a homestay and my host family have been amazing. They are a young couple who are very friendly and have given me great tips about what to see and do. They also cook delicious Asian food which is very different from what I’m used to cooking back home – I’ve been collecting the recipes! Then, Sunday is movie night, where we all sit together to watch a film.

“Overall, Byron Bay has been great. I’ve really enjoyed living, studying and socialising here. A special memory? I’d have to say sitting on the beach and enjoying a few drinks during one of the amazing sunsets.”

Thanks for sharing Tanja! And please let us know how you get on in your Proficiency exam.