Riina joined us in late September and graduated from our Intermediate class last Friday. Riina was a very happy student at Lexis Byron Bay and she has kindly shared her magical experience for us all to enjoy.

Tell us a little about yourself:

I am Riina Yajima from Japan and I’ve been living in Byron Bay for 3-months now!

I like to learn about different cultures and history, and I was very interested in living overseas. So, I decided to get a working holiday visa and study English in Australia.

Why did you choose Byron Bay?

I wasn’t considering Byron Bay until my agent recommended it to me. It was the best decision, now I am in love with Byron Bay and so happy here!

What were your weaknesses in English before you came to Australia? Tell me more about your teachers and your classes.

Before Lexis, I wasn’t a good English speaker and didn’t have a broad vocabulary.

In class, we did many activities, not just learning from the textbook. I attribute my English improvement to the classroom games, reading, listening and speaking with my friends and teachers. I also really enjoyed all the afternoon activities!!

The teachers at Lexis were really kind, they genuinely care about their students, and were always happy to help us. We would have conversations about our weekend and afternoon plans and our plans after graduation. My conversations with teachers made me feel confident to try out new vocabulary and grammar.

What are your favourite things to do in Byron?

I like the big park in town, it is pretty and quiet in the afternoons so I can lay down on the grass and just chill. Of course, I can easily go to the beach. The waves are beautiful, gentle and great for surfing. I learnt to surf with Lets Go Surfing and thought it was really cool – I want to practise more! In town there are many cafes, good coffee and sweets.

What is your most magical moment in Byron?

Oh, that’s a difficult question… because I have a lot of magical moments.

It was wonderful watching the sunset from the Byron Bay lighthouse. If you visit Byron Bay, you should go to the lighthouse at least once. Also, you can see a beautiful sunrise there.

We have a lot of amazing activities after school and there was a Halloween party! 🎃 I made a pumpkin head and got the best dressed student prize!!! It was funny 😂😂

My weekend trips with the Byron Bay Travel Company were also a highlight. I went to Dream World on the Gold Coast, Yuraygir National Park, Crystal Castle and more. I made new friends on the trips and hold happy memories.

What do you like most about Lexis Byron?

The classrooms! They have big windows so I could feel wind and sunshine even inside my classroom.

There is a student lounge downstairs where I could hang out with my friends anytime!

In front of the classrooms there is grass and sometimes we would have class on the grass! I loved getting to enjoy nature as part of my school day.

What is your advice for people who are thinking about enrolling at Lexis Byron Bay?

Byron Bay has a big sky, beautiful ocean, wind and sunshine. Byron Bay is the best place to feel relaxed, happy and enjoy your life!! I am really happy with Lexis Byron because there are nice teachers and I made close friends. If you love nature and countryside, Byron Bay is the best place for you.

About homestay

I was in homestay while studying at Lexis. My homestay family was really kind and fun! I have lots of happy memories, they’re like my second family. I felt relaxed and comfortable in their home. There were some differences from Japanese culture, but it was good to experience the Australian way of life. In fact, I didn’t feel a moment of awkwardness during my homestay.

Thank you, Riina! We miss you and wish you all the best in your bright future.

Learn English in Byron Bay. Lexis English students study General English, IELTS, FCE, CAE, and English plus Surfing in a friendly and professional school right in the heart of Byron Bay and only 15 minutes from the beach. Be happy!