The symbolism of the Year of the Dragon, representing prosperity, strength, and confidence, resonates perfectly with the ethos and journey of St John’s International College. Established in the year 2000, the International College commenced with eight short-term Korean students and now is highly regarded as a tier-one High School Preparation Course. The international student numbers have also returned to its pre COVID levels with thanks to the incredible work of our International College staff.
Over the years St John’s International College has successfully graduated over 1000 international students into St John’s mainstream classes, many of whom have achieved tremendous academic success. In 2023, three international students achieved the incredible result of an ATAR score above 97 with this trend continuing this year.
Study Tours have made a triumphant return at St John’s, with Term One of 2024 marking the commencement of these enriching experiences. Already, we have welcomed seven Year 10 students for a term-long Japanese Study Abroad program, alongside 40 Korean students immersing themselves in English studies and Australian life.
Currently, the College hosts 66 international students across both the Junior and Secondary School campuses, with expectations for additional long-term students to join throughout the year. This diverse international presence creates a truly multicultural campus environment, allowing our domestic students to broaden their global perspectives while studying alongside peers from various countries.
International students at the College have notably cultivated confidence and independence during their studies. However, being far away from their parents and loved ones, it’s natural for them to experience occasional homesickness. The success of our international student program heavily relies on the unwavering support of our dedicated homestay families, who graciously step into the role of surrogate parents. Over the years, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to forge strong bonds with these families, enhancing the overall experience for our students.
As we welcome the Year of the Dragon, we extend our heartfelt wishes for the flourishing of our international students in their new environment. We express gratitude to the College community for their unwavering support, which nurtures both the body and mind of our students.
Mr Shirley Sun
Head of International College
