Each week at Lexis we welcome students from across the globe, each arriving with unique goals, experiences, and stories. 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. 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 taken road trips to Noosa and Byron Bay, explored Airlie Beach, the Great Barrier Reef, and even driven to Sydney for New Year’s fireworks.

Why Brisbane, why Lexis?

I decided to study English because it is a very useful language to know. I have businesses that can benefit if I spoke English. I am from the 3rd biggest city in Japan, Fukuoka — I chose Brisbane as it is very similar.

Gensei, Japan

I have studied English since I was 12 in school, and it was always a goal of mine to improve and get more confident. I chose Brisbane because it was central to all the places I wanted to visit — and Queensland has amazing weather all year round.

Gabriel, Switzerland

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.

Maelys, France

Most memorable moments

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.

Gensei

My travels. I have visited the most beautiful places in Australia — Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays and more — with the friends I have made at Lexis.

Gabriel

My best memories are all the friendships I have made with people from around the world — discovering new cultures and sharing unique experiences.

Maelys

What they love about Brisbane

People in Australia live. They don’t care about other people’s opinions or only think about work. Lots of balance.

Gensei

Brisbane feels extremely safe and judgment-free. The weather is always hot or sunny. People in Australia are very laid back — they look happy.

Gabriel

How their English changed

I started at Elementary and now I have the opportunity to join Cambridge classes or IELTS. The best thing about Lexis is how free you feel — I feel no judgment from anyone.

Gensei (Elementary → Cambridge-ready)

I started at Intermediate. I am now preparing for my C1 exam. I used to feel shy or not confident, and now I believe in myself.

Gabriel (Intermediate → C1)

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.

Maelys (B1 → C1)

What’s next

Gensei is meeting Maelys and Gabriel in Bali after graduation, then home to Japan. Gabriel will travel through Asia and start his Law degree in Switzerland. Maelys is travelling Asia before starting an English-language university program in September. The friendships are already booked for 2027.

Their advice

Just do it! Come to Lexis or Australia. Don’t second-guess. You will make friends and have the best time of your life.

Gensei

DO IT! Participate in everything, all the activities. Put yourself out there. It is an amazing opportunity. Once in a lifetime.

Gabriel