A lasting impact from Kangaroo Island to Switzerland,

In 2019, Kangaroo Island Community Education (KICE) welcomed their first international student, Floria from Switzerland. She arrived in late January and spent a semester studying in South Australia. Recently, Floria wrote a heartfelt letter to the school principal reflecting on her experience, and we are delighted to share her story.

Now President of the student organisation at Gymnasium Muttenz High School in Switzerland, Floria is drawing on her time in Australia to encourage conversations about student wellbeing, school culture and creating supportive learning environments at her own school community in Switzerland. The kindness of her teachers, the welcoming school community and the importance placed on student wellbeing during her time at KICE, left a lasting impact on Floria’s mind so much so that she’s inspired to explore how similar experiences could benefit students in her own school community.

Floria’s story is a lovely reminder that international education goes beyond learning in a new country. It’s about the connections we make, the perspectives we share and the experiences that continue to shape us long after we return home.

We are happy to see the impact that Floria’s time in South Australia had on her and wish her every success as she continues to make a difference in her school community.