WEST 1 Gold Coast

My name is Thayana, I'm 33 years old and I'm from Sao Paulo.

I have a Bachelor Degree in Bilingual Executive Secretary and I've worked for more than ten years as an Executive Secretary.

I made my first exchange in 2008 to Orlando, USA, where I worked at Walt Disney World.

My brother came to Australia in 2014, and I and my family came a few months later to visit him.

We loved Australia, so we decided to drop everything in Brazil and come to paradise, Gold Coast! Now that I have fulfilled my dream, I can help everyone who wants to study abroad to know a new culture, to meet beautiful places and to fulfill their dreams as well.

Hi, my name is Ana Paula but everyone knows me as Aninha.

Since I made my first study exchange at age 17, I was sure that I no longer belonged to Brazil. The adventures of living in another country always fascinated me even before I went for my first study abroad program.

As I said, at the age of 17 I made my first trip, I stayed for 6 months in Vancouver, Canada, studying English. During that time I lived with a Canadian family, which was a wonderful experience. Each day was new learning, which motivated me more and more to be away from my family because although it is not easy, it is very gratifying. It is in those moments that we really realize how much we miss and how much we love.

When I returned to Brazil, I needed to take care of my future, and I decided to start University, studying Bachelor of International Trade, because studying that I knew that I would continue to have contact with people from all over the world and have opportunities to travel while working. Travelling has always been my focus!

At 21, I decided to have a break from my studies and embark on another adventure. I was living 3 months in a National park in California, USA, called Yosemite National Park, literally in the middle of the bush. I lived in a hut in the forest and I discovered that being surrounded by other cultures it means we are always learning. The more we discover the unknown, the more fascinating life becomes. That's why I encourage everyone to travel, exchange and enjoy life to the fullest. That's what I've always done and I do until today since I live on the beautiful Gold Coast.

How did I get to Australia?

Well at age 23, crazy to leave Brazil again, I decided to go further. I had a friend who at that time was living in Australia and decided to leave everything behind and start another adventure again but this time in Australia ... I studied Business to continue the studies already have started in Brazil and today, with 7 years of Australia and 4 working with interchange, I can affirm that I am super happy.

I love helping people like me who want to enjoy life to the fullest.

My name is Leticia and I was born in São Bernardo do Campo and I have a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration.

I did my first study abroad program when I was 16 years old in Toronto - Canada.

Since then I have fallen in love with the idea of ​​exploring the world, traveling, studying,  and adapting to new cultures.

In 2012 I decided to do another Exchange to California and in 2013 and 2014 again. In 2015 again I decided that again a want to travel and it was when, after 5 times studying abroad, I decided to "drop" everything I had in Brazil, a job with a promising career, a family that has always supported me in all my decisions and my dear friends to embark on a dream called Australia!

This passion for studying abroad makes me dedicate myself even more to my work at WEST 1 as Educational Counsellor.

I would like to tell and encourage the students who arrive with this same passion, to live this incredible and unforgettable experience, give them all the support and be part of their dream!

Come to WEST 1, come with WEST 1!