Tasmanian Government Education International

Team Leader | 2026 International Student Ambassador Program Dustin, from Taiwan, is currently studying Year 12 at Rosny College. With outstanding leadership and communication skills, along with a strong commitment to the International Student Ambassador Program, Dustin is serving as the Team Leader of the ambassador team in 2026. Dustin actively shares his Tasmanian experience across social media, showcasing the unique strengths of Tasmanian Government education and enhancing awareness of Tasmania as a welcoming study destination. Dustin is passionate about outdoor education and embraces the rich natural environment Tasmania offers. From surfing and bushwalking to camping and rock climbing, he demonstrates a strong sense of adventure and resilience. These experiences have further shaped his interest in science and sustainability, and he aspires to become a researcher and environmentalist, contributing to a better understanding and protection of the natural world. Dustin encourages future students to make the most of every opportunity and actively engage with their school and local community.

2026 International Student Ambassador - JAPAN Mariko is a Year 12 student at Elizabeth College, originally from Japan. Studying in a new system has allowed Mariko to discover different ways of learning and thinking, helping her grow both academically and socially. Living with a homestay family has also been a valuable part of her experience, giving her insight into Australian daily life and culture while helping her become more independent and adaptable. One of the highlights of Mariko’s time in Tasmania has been the friendly and supportive community. She appreciates the relaxed lifestyle, the strong sense of safety, and the opportunity to enjoy Tasmania’s natural beauty, from peaceful parks to stunning beaches. Mariko encourages future students to take initiative and try anything that interests them. She believes it’s better to regret trying than to regret not trying.

2026 International Student Ambassador - KENYA Channey, from Kenya, is currently studying year 12 at Rosny College. Channey lives with her relatives in Tasmania, who have provided strong support in helping her settle into a new school environment and adapt to a different culture. One of the highlights of her time at Rosny College is the friendly and welcoming classroom environment, where students are eager to learn and teachers actively support their growth. Outside of school, Channey enjoys taking walks and admiring the natural beauty that Tasmania has to offer. Looking ahead, her dream is to become a nurse to support the community and help people in need. Channey's advice to future international students is simple: be open‑minded and give everything a try.

2026 International Student Ambassador - CHINA Haoyang, from China, is currently studying Year 11 at Hobart College. He began his Tasmanian journey at Taroona High School in Grade 9 and has fallen in love with the island state ever since. He particularly enjoys Tasmania’s stunning natural environment and unique wildlife, including the rabbits he often sees around campus. At Hobart College, Haoyang values the warm and supportive relationships between teachers and students, which encourage open discussion and collaboration around academic challenges. He has a strong interest in physical science and regularly engages with his teachers to explore concepts and questions in greater depth. As an International Student Ambassador, Haoyang hopes to draw on his enthusiasm and personal experience to support fellow international students as they settle into life in Tasmania. He is also keen to share the unique charm of this beautiful place with the wider community.

2026 International Student Ambassador - BRAZIL Raquel from Brazil is currently studying Year 11 at Elizabeth College. Studying in Tasmania has been highly rewarding for Raquel. She values the wide range of learning opportunities and appreciates the commitment and support shown by her teachers. She is proud of the academic progress she has made, particularly in improving her English and developing strong task-based skills. Raquel enjoys making the most of Tasmania’s natural environment through outdoor education activities such as hiking, camping, high ropes and surfing. Outside school, she maintains a balanced lifestyle and enjoys going to the gym as a way to train, unwind and reflect. Raquel’s message to future students is: be confident, avoid placing too much pressure on results, prioritise your mental health, and always keep sight of your goals.

2026 International Student Ambassador - CHINA Chloe is a Year 12 student at Hobart College, originally from China. Chloe's Tasmanian journey began in 2024, when she started Year 10 at Taroona High School. This early experience of junior high school in Tasmania helped Chloe strengthen her English skills and gain a solid understanding of the Australian education system, preparing her well for college life. Over the past years, Chloe has thoroughly enjoyed her time in Tasmania. She has been supported by friendly teachers and a welcoming community, which has helped her grow both personally and academically. Through these experiences, Chloe has become more confident, independent, and responsible in her decision‑making. Inspired by the kindness and support she has received, Chloe is eager to give back by joining the leadership program and supporting future international students as they begin their own journey.

2026 International Student Ambassador – ITALY Originally from Italy, Riccardo is currently studying Year 12 at Hobart College. He describes student life in Tasmania as well-balanced, offering a mix of study, free time, school experiences, and opportunities to meet young people from all over the world. In his spare time, Riccardo enjoys spending time with his homestay family, cooking together, playing board games, and staying active through sport. During his time in Tasmania, Riccardo has participated in many unforgettable experiences. He has been fishing for swordfish and tuna along the Tasmanian coast, and most recently completed his first-ever marathon in Hobart, achieving an outstanding 3 hours and 19 minutes. For students preparing to start their own international journey, Riccardo’s advice is simple: don’t be afraid to meet new people. Take the first step, say yes to opportunities, and try activities you’ve never done before; those experiences will make your time truly unforgettable.

20265 International Student Ambassador - SRI LANKA Vinudhi is an international student from Sri Lanka, currently studying Year 11 at Elizabeth College. Vinudhi has greatly enjoyed her homestay experience and appreciates the care and comfort it provides. At college, she is studying a range of subjects including Mathematics Methods 4, Biology 3, Physical Sciences 3, English Literature 3, and Songwriting. She actively participates in school life, especially through the college ECAAD program, and values the support of her teachers and International Student Advisors. She enjoys Tasmania’s friendly community, peaceful lifestyle, amazing wildlife and stunning natural landscapes. Exploring places such as Bruny Island, Port Arthur, and local beaches has been a favorite highlight of her journey, along with participating in outdoor camps and school activities. Vinudhi has received achievements for English as an Additional Language last year and has enjoyed performing in college concerts. She encourages future students to consider Tasmania for its safety, opportunities and calm and supportive environment.

2026 International Student Ambassador – China Clara is an international student from China currently studying Year 11 at Hobart College. She chose Tasmania for its close connection to nature, multicultural environment, and the opportunity to develop independence while balancing both academic and personal growth. One of the highlights of Clara’s life in Tasmania is her strong connection to nature and the inspiration it provides. As Clara plans to study film in the future, she believes Tasmania’s natural environment offers valuable experiences and creative inspiration that support her personal and artistic development. For school life, one particularly memorable experience was completing an ocean swim test as part of her outdoor education class. Having never swum in the sea before, Clara pushed herself forward with encouragement from her teachers. Overcoming this challenge boosted her confidence and reinforced her appreciation of Tasmania’s supportive and inclusive learning environment. Clara encourages future international students to keep an open mind, embrace nature, and experience Tasmania with curiosity and understanding. #internationalstudentambassador

2026 International Student Ambassador - KENYA Sarry from Kenya is currently studying in Year 11 at Rosny College. She enjoys experiencing a new culture while meeting people from diverse backgrounds. Living with a homestay family has been a very positive experience for Sarry. Their support has helped her settle smoothly into life in a new country, while also encouraging her to become more independent and confident. Student life in Tasmania has been unique and rewarding for Sarry. She appreciates the peaceful and beautiful surroundings, which create a strong sense of safety and make learning both manageable and enjoyable. One of Sarry’s most memorable experiences has been participating in a debate activity for the first time. This helped her connect with others and build confidence in expressing herself. Sarry encourages future international students to stay open‑minded, be confident, get involved in school activities, and communicate openly with their homestay families to make the most of their experience. #internationalstudentambassador

Last Friday, our 2026 International Student Ambassador team came together for a fantastic day of connection and collaboration. The students hopped on the free Metro bus from the city to Long Beach, filling the journey with laughter, conversations, and great energy. The day featured fun and meaningful team-building activities, including learning how to say “hello” in seven different languages, a true reflection of our global community. Our ambassadors also took part in video filming, sharing their voices and celebrating the diversity, connection, and strong sense of belonging that define our international student community. We can’t wait to see what this incredible group will achieve together in 2026! #internationalstudentambassador #StudentVoices #EveryOneBelong

2026 International Student Ambassador - BRAZIL Julia is a Year 11 student at Elizabeth College from Brazil. Living and studying in Tasmania has allowed Julia to enjoy a calm and rewarding lifestyle surrounded by nature and a supportive community. Julia is thoroughly enjoying her homestay experience and lives with a caring and welcoming host family who support her every step of the way. From everyday life to discovering new places, her homestay has helped make her exchange experience comfortable, enriching, and memorable. At school, Julia has had a very positive experience. She enjoys the way classes are delivered, appreciating the supportive and attentive approach of her teachers. She has also found her classmates to be friendly and welcoming, which has made settling in much easier. Julia is proud of her personal growth during her time in Tasmania, particularly becoming more independent, mature, and responsible.