“Nine Weeks Changed Us”

From São Paulo, Brazil

It takes courage to fly across the world

Leaving home for the first time is a big step. It takes courage to fly to a new country, learn in a new language, and live with a new family. This is what Maria, Julia and Gustavo did when they left São Paulo to join the Study Abroad program at John Paul College.

They came to grow their English, try new things, and see the world. They stayed for nine weeks. What they found was much more than a school — they found a second home.

“It was such a great time — better than we imagined. It was very different, but in a good way.”

— Maria & Julia

Study Abroad students from Brazil on the John Paul College campus

São Paulo, Brazil → Brisbane, Australia

In Their Own Words

Three Students. Three Stories. One Second Home.

Maria, Julia and Gustavo each found something different at John Paul College — a passion, a team, a family. Here is what nine weeks gave to each of them.

A John Paul College student working on a creative arts project

01 Maria · The Artist

Maria discovers she is an artist

At John Paul College, students choose subjects that match their interests. Maria loves art, but back home she rarely got the chance to explore it. Here she joined a creative project and made a sculpture — choosing her own topic: how AI is changing real art.

With caring teachers and the freedom to explore, students discover talents they never knew they had.

“I love art, and I never had the opportunity to do different things. Here I did a project about a shoe sculpture. I loved the process. The teachers helped me improve my skills — and I think I finally found myself.”

— Maria

John Paul College students in sports uniform together at a sports carnival

02 Gustavo · The Champion

Gustavo wins gold — and lifelong friends

Sport is a fast way to make friends and feel part of a group. Gustavo joined the John Paul College volleyball team and travelled to the Gold Coast for the Intermediate Schools Cup. They played six matches — and won every single one. The team took home the gold.

6 / 6 · Gold

“I joined the volleyball team and we went to the Gold Coast and got gold. We won all six matches. I also made new friends, and I will keep this friendship for my whole life. From the beginning, they welcomed me with so much love.”

— Gustavo

An international student with her John Paul College homestay family

03 Julia · A Second Family

Julia's homestay family becomes her second family

Living with a homestay family helps students feel safe, cared for, and part of everyday Australian life. Julia stayed with a warm and loving family. They spent time together, went to the beach, and taught her how to take photos with a real camera. For Julia, it was the first time she ever saw the ocean.

“I stayed with a homestay family. They are very lovely. It was my first time seeing the ocean, and this moment will stay in my mind forever. They are like my second family here in Australia. I love them so much.”

— Julia

In Their Own Words

Watch the São Paulo Story

Maria, Julia and Gustavo share their nine weeks at John Paul College — in their own words.

What they took home

Confidencein a new language
Friendshipsthey'll keep for life
A second home9,000 km from home

The Outcome

Nine weeks that will last a lifetime

In just nine weeks, Maria, Julia and Gustavo grew their English, discovered new passions, won on the sports field, and built friendships they will keep forever.

They arrived as visitors. They left as part of the John Paul College family.

English that grew every day Friendships for life A second home

Study Abroad students from Brazil together in front of John Paul College

Arrived as visitors · left as family