Gensei, Maelys, and Gabriel from Japan, France and Switzerland share their experience at Lexis Brisbane.
Find out more about their time at our campus!
Each week at Lexis, we welcome students from across the globe, each arriving with unique goals, experiences, and stories. What unites them is a shared commitment to improving their English and embracing life in Australia. Today, we’re excited to highlight the friendship and journey of Gensei, Maelys, and Gabriel here at Lexis Brisbane.
Gensei began studying at Lexis Brisbane in July 2025, with Maelys and Gabriel joining in late September and October. Since then, the three have become inseparable. Wherever you see one, you’ll almost always find the other two close by. Teachers at Lexis Brisbane have nicknamed them “The Three Musketeers” or “three peas in a pod” because they are constantly together—laughing, supporting one another with their English, and planning their next adventures.
In their free time and at weekends, they have explored many cities within Australia. Being based in Brisbane they have used this to take road trips to Noosa or Byron Bay, explored Airlie Beach, The Great Barrier Reef, and even driven to Sydney for New Year’s Fireworks.
Read more about their experiences during their time at Lexis below:
What motivated you to study English abroad at Lexis, and what made you choose Brisbane, Australia?
Gensei: “I decided to study English because it is a very useful language to know and understand. I have businesses that can benefit if I spoke English. I also love talking to people from all around the world. Learning about their backgrounds and cultures. I am from the 3rd biggest city in Japan, Fukuoka. I chose Brisbane as it is very similar. I also have family friends and other connections in Brisbane, which influenced my decision.”
Gabriel: “I have studied English since I was 12 years old in school, and it was always a goal of mine to improve and get more confident. I wanted to study in an English-speaking country to learn more quickly and really test my skills. I chose Brisbane because it was very central to all the places I wanted to visit. I heard Queensland was the better state as it has amazing weather all year round.”
Maelys: “After high school, I really wanted to improve my English while living an experience abroad. An agency recommended Brisbane to me because it is a very international city with many young people from all over the world, which makes it the perfect place to learn English and meet new people.”
What have been some of your most memorable experiences or highlights since arriving in Brisbane?
Gensei: “Realising one day that I can speak English. I went to the Gold Coast with friends one weekend and spoke only English the whole two days. From that moment, I could understand everything in class. I had faith in myself to keep going.”
Gabriel: “My travels. I have visited the most beautiful places in Australia. Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays and more. I got to experience these places with the friends I have made at Lexis. Hanging out with friends and seeing new landscapes and environments have been my highlights.”
Maelys: “My best memories are all the friendships I have made with people from around the world. I also loved discovering new cultures and sharing unique experiences with people from different nationalities.”
What do you love most about living in Brisbane? How do you usually spend your weekends or free time after class? What are the biggest differences you’ve noticed between life in Japan, France, and Switzerland?
Gensei: “I have made very good habits since moving to Brisbane. Gabriel and I go to the gym every day after class. I never used to. Lots of students at Lexis motivate each other to move our bodies and to study. It is very good to have a positive influence around you all the time. Brisbane is a very good city as it has cheap transport and is very easy and close to travel to nearby locations. The biggest difference I have noticed between Australia and Japan is the diversity here, as well as the culture. People in Australia live. They don’t care about other people’s opinions or only think about work. Lots of balance.”
Gabriel: “Security. Brisbane feels extremely safe and judgment-free. I really like the location. It is very central to other cities. In Switzerland, there are lots of mountains, rivers, and lakes, but no ocean. In Australia, you can find beaches, mountains, and so much more. It is very cheap compared to back home. The weather is always hot or sunny. I also feel like the people in Australia are very laid back. They look happy. They have no pressure and live their lives.”
Maelys: “What I enjoy most about Brisbane is the atmosphere and all the activities you can do with friends. On weekends, I spend a lot of time traveling around Australia, discovering new places, and enjoying time with my friends. Between Japan, France, and Switzerland, I noticed many differences, especially in people’s behaviour and lifestyles.”
How much has your English improved since you first started studying in Brisbane? What are some of your best memories as students at Lexis?
Gensei: “Before arriving at Lexis, I didn’t have much faith in my English skills and thought at most I would only move up one level by the time I graduate. I started my English Journey at a very low Elementary level, and now I have the opportunity to join Cambridge classes or IELTS. I am very proud of myself. The teachers I have had have made a huge difference in my learning. Without them, I believe I wouldn’t have progressed so fast. I feel very lucky. The best thing about being a student at Lexis is how free you feel. I feel no judgment from anyone. The teachers here will never be angry with you and want you to do your best”
Gabriel: ” I feel like a completely new person when speaking English. I used to feel shy or not confident, and now I believe in myself, and I am not scared to make mistakes. I started my English journey at Intermediate. I am now preparing for my C1 exam. Being a student at Lexis is very beneficial to your English journey. Not only do you make so many friends here, but the activities are very fun and interactive. Teachers here encourage you and never put you down.”
Maelys: “My English has improved a lot since I arrived in Brisbane. I came here with a B1 level English and I am leaving with a C1 level, thanks to the teachers at Lexis who are very supportive and always help us in our learning journey.”
What are your plans after finishing your studies at Lexis?
Gensei: “Once I graduate, I will meet Maelys and Gabriel in Bali. After Bali, I will travel back to Japan to see my family, whom I haven’t seen in almost a year. Later in the year, I have friends that I made at Lexis Brisbane – Rose and Eva coming to visit me in Japan. My plan for 2027 is to travel to Europe and visit/meet all my other friends that I have made during my time, and see where they are from and meet their families.”
Gabriel: “I will start my travelling. I will go to Japan and Bali to meet up with my friends. Once I finish, I will go back home to Switzerland and start my Law degree”
Maelys: “After my experience in Australia, I plan to travel around Asia for some time. Then, I will start an English university program in September.”
What advice would you give to other students who are thinking about studying abroad?
Gensei: “My advice I would give to students who want to study overseas is just do it! Come to Lexis or Australia. Don’t second-guess. You will make friends and have the best time of your life”
Gabriel: “My advice is to DO IT! Participate in everything, all the activities. Put yourself out there. It is an amazing opportunity. Once in a lifetime.”
Maelys: “I would say not to be afraid and take this opportunity. There will always be challenges, but there will also always be people ready to help you, and in the end, it will become one of the best experiences of your life.”
Thank you, Gensei, Maelys and Gabriel for sharing your stories and experiences with us!
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