Amanda, 34, from Brazil: My Student Success Story in Adelaide
What Inspired Me to Study English
My original inspiration to study English came from movies and music while growing up. Of course, we studied English in high school, but it wasn’t really a good experience. Instead, Disney music and Disney movies left a much more positive impression. Hannah Montana and The Lion King were some of my favorites. I didn’t learn all the words, but these movies and songs inspired me and gave me a really positive feeling about English.
I always loved watching movies in English, trying to understand and learn from them. Even during university, my friends and I would sometimes speak English at parties. It was funny, fun, and made learning the language feel exciting and natural. In 2014, during the World Cup, there were many international visitors in Brazil, which gave me the chance to speak English more often, but otherwise, opportunities to practice speaking were limited.
How I Decided to Move to Australia
Last year, I realized I couldn’t continue in my previous career. I was working in marketing, but my degree is in Journalism, and I wanted a completely different path. Returning to university in Brazil wasn’t something I wanted to do either.
I have a friend who has lived in Adelaide for seven years. She encouraged me for years, saying, “You should come here. It will change your life.” I discussed it with my dad and thought about it for a few years before making the big leap.
I was close to burnout at work, feeling overwhelmed and needing a dramatic change. Initially, we didn’t have the finances for a big trip like moving to Australia, but I worked hard, saved money, and finally, when I reached a breaking point, I had enough to go. That’s how I ended up in Adelaide, ready to start a new chapter.
What I Love About Adelaide
I really enjoy the experience I have here. Adelaide is a wonderful city with very kind and helpful people. If you ask someone on the street for help, they will gladly assist you. The city reminds me a lot of my hometown in Brazil. Living here has been a warm, welcoming, and enriching experience.
Using English in Daily Life in Adelaide
English is a constant part of my daily life. At work, I speak English all the time. At home, I speak Portuguese because I live with other Brazilians. I have friends from many countries, not just Australia, including Colombia, China, Japan, and El Salvador. Even though some coworkers are Australian, most are from other countries, which makes using English daily essential.
This constant use of English, both in class and at work, has helped me improve much faster. I am now more confident expressing myself and communicating effectively in real-life situations. Even simple things, like shopping, using public transport, or handling daily tasks, have become opportunities to practice English.
My Successes and Positive Experiences
Studying at Native English College for six months has significantly improved my English. At first, my listening skills were stronger than my speaking, meaning I could understand conversations but couldn’t always express myself. Over time, I’ve been able to communicate my ideas clearly, which has been a really positive experience. I am grateful I chose this school, as it has helped me grow both academically and personally.
My Goals for the Future
After finishing my studies at Native English College, my first step will be to renew my visa so I can stay in Australia longer. Once that’s done, I plan to study Marketing to achieve my career goals. I’m still exploring whether I want to pursue residency.
Life in Adelaide has taught me that settling in takes time. During the first three months, you focus on organizing your life: improving your English, finding a place to live, learning how the city works, using public transport, and making friends. By six months, you start feeling more comfortable, but I believe a full year is needed to experience the complete journey of studying and living abroad. Time passes very quickly, and there’s so much to do.
How Studying English in Adelaide Changed My Life
Living and studying in Adelaide has been transformative. Interacting with people from different cultures—Australian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and more—has broadened my perspective and helped me learn about myself. Before, in Brazil, my worldview was limited; now I can share experiences and inspire friends back home to explore other cultures.
Studying abroad is more than just learning a language—it’s about living a full life: attending school, working part-time, making international friends, and truly experiencing another culture. This immersion has given me confidence, personal growth, and a better understanding of the world.
