Over the past seven months, Gina has studied English at two Lexis campuses — Perth and Byron Bay. Eighteen years old, from Barcelona, taking a gap year to improve her English, live on her own, and grow into independence.

She came through the agency Go Study, and studied at Lexis Perth for five months and Lexis Byron Bay for one and a half months.

Why two campuses?

Perth came first because it’s a big city but still quiet, with beautiful beaches, lots of sunshine, and a relaxed lifestyle — perfect for focusing on studies while enjoying the city vibe.

Byron Bay came later because it’s so different — a small surf town with a special energy, music, art, and nature in every direction.

Most magical moments

In Perth: a trip to Rottnest Island on her third day in Australia — stunning beaches and her first quokka.

In Byron: a weekend in Mullumbimby making music with an Aussie friend who lives in a caravan and works as a music producer.

And in Brisbane — the moment she walked into the theatre to check Swan Lake ticket prices, was offered a free ticket by a stranger whose friend couldn’t make it, and watched the ballet from one of the front rows.

CAE in Brisbane

Having a clear goal kept her motivated. Gina sat the Cambridge Advanced (CAE) exam in Brisbane and is really proud of the progress — with a special mention for her Byron writing teacher, Paul.

Accommodation: homestay then “Life in Byron”

In Perth, she stayed with a lovely host family — Dionne, Jessica and Madisson, her host sisters — a true Australian family experience.

In Byron, she stayed at the “Life in Byron” student accommodation, super close to the school, the beach, and the supermarket — a real community with kind managers and everything walkable.

What she loved about each place

In Perth: Scarborough. Running along the coast from one beach to another, friendly people, safe and welcoming.

In Byron: the surfing, the natural surroundings, friends, and the healthy vibrant lifestyle.

Working in Perth

In Perth, Gina worked at a Mexican restaurant — great practice for English with locals — and at a hotel doing room service and waitressing. In Byron she focused on study and the beach lifestyle.