Marco, 23, from Italy – Student Success Story at Native English College Adelaide
Self-Introduction
Ciao! My name is Marco, I am 23 years old, and I come from Milan, Italy. I have been living in Adelaide for the past six months. Back in Italy, I was a university student and worked part time in a warehouse. I like running, going to the gym, going out with friends and I love Formula 1!
Why I Wanted to Study English
I decided to study English because I want to pursue a career in international tourism and hospitality. In Europe, being fluent in English is no longer an “extra”—it is a requirement. I wanted to improve my confidence so I could work anywhere in the world and connect with people from different cultures. If I get a chance, I’d love to work in an English speaking enviroment like Australia or the UK for experience.
The Most Difficult Parts of Learning English
For me, the hardest part is definitely the grammar. In Italy, we learn a lot of grammar, but speaking naturally and with correct pronunciation is a different story. I found as well that my classes in Italy had shown me Present Simple and Present Continuous for example, but it wasn’t as clear when to use them. I realised I have been using present continuous “I am working”, instead of present simple “I work” because I thought Present Simple looked too unprofessional because it has no -ing, -ed or anything else.
What I Love About Studying at Native English College
What makes Native English College special is that it doesn’t feel like a boring classroom. It’s a real community. The college organises so many social activities, like attending the Study Adelaide Welcome Party, the Speakeasy language exchange on Thursday nights and lots of things just organised by other students. There tend to be lots of going away parties. These activities are perfect for practicing English in a relaxed environment while making friends from places like Brazil, Japan, and Colombia. It really helps you feel less lonely when you are far from home.
My Teachers and Classes at NEC
The teachers at this English language school in Adelaide are fantastic. They are all native speakers and very patient. I love the way they go between teacher focused time, where we are getting the information, and speaking practice in pairs or groups. Having time to practice using the language we have just used makes a huge difference.
If I make a mistake with my pronunciation, they correct me immediately but in a very supportive way. This has helped me improve my speaking skills pretty quickly. Sometimes, you just don’t know how to say the word because the spelling of English can be very different from the pronunication.
What I Love About Adelaide
Adelaide is the perfect city for an international student. I love the laid-back lifestyle and the fact that the beaches are so close to the city. I like that there are lots of people playing sports or exercising in the parklands and fields that surround the city. I am a runner, and being able to run along the Torrens river in North Adelaide has been really beautiful.
Life as an International Student in Adelaide
Choosing to study English in Adelaide was one of the best decisions of my life. I have needed to be more independent, things like cooking and cleaning for myself. I think I was pretty bad in those areas before. I’ve had to step out of my comfort zone to talk to people from other countries, but it’s been exciting more than scary. I’ve grown so much.
Final Message to Future Students
If you are thinking about studying English in Australia, I highly recommend Native English College. It’s not just about the course; it’s about the experience. You will make international friends, gain confidence, and create memories that stay with you forever. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—just come to Adelaide and enjoy the journey!
