International Student Programme

We wish our wonderful Class of 2021 International Student Programme (ISP) students the very best with their future tertiary studies. It has been a challenge for them not having seen their families for such a long time due to closed international borders, and they have all done amazingly well.

All eight students in this cohort have been tremendous with their resilience and spirit. Some students are electing to remain in Australia for further studies, while others are excited to return home to Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand or China. Due to COVID, it has been a rollercoaster ride for International Student Programme enrolments over the last two years. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel for new students wanting to come to study at Mercedes College from 2022 onwards. Mercedes College has also had the opportunity to put forward proposals to Austrade in Japan and Thailand regarding group enrolments for 2022 and 2023. During 2021, we have had 26 international students study at the College either online or face-to-face. A majority have been in the classroom, having arrived in Adelaide prior to the COVID pandemic and making the brave choice to continue their studies and living with their wonderful Homestay family. StudyTravel Award

Mercedes College is honoured to have been nominated for the StudyTravel Secondary Schools Award, Australia and NZ, for 2021/22. We were delighted to win for 2020/21, being the first Australian school to have done so.

ISP Fashion Design

Our Online ISP students have followed their normal curriculum as if they were in the classroom, and I would like to share an outstanding example from Year 10 student Samantha Chan who studied from Hong Kong this year. With support from her Middle Years Programme Design teacher Ms Zieleniecki, Samantha elected to focus on fashion design for her unit of work. She analysed global fashion trends, markets and branding and used an app called ‘Pret-a-template’ to design her creations for her ‘Look Book’ for next season inspired by ocean life and conservation. 2022 School Year

Looking towards 2022, the mood is one of optimism and excitement, as more students join the International Student Programme. We look forward to welcoming our new Korean students in Term 1 and hopefully more students from all around the world when borders open for international students.

Leeanne Moriarty Coordinator, International Marketing and Enrolments

Become a Homestay Family

Are you interested in providing homestay accommodation for international students aged 14 to 18 in 2022 ? Homestay is a rewarding experience for both families and students. Families are generously remunerated. Get in touch with Robyn Halliday P 8372 3200

E rhalliday@mercedes.catholic.edu.au

Many Homestays are past parents, old scholars, or their family or friends. Feel free to suggest this to anyone you know who may be interested.