Anita started studying in March she is having a holiday now and will be back to start IELTS in September. Here is what she had to say:
Anita Da Silveira
Why did you choose to come to Byron Bay?I was living in Sao Paulo which is a huge city, I had just quit my job because of the financial crisis and I decided to change my life. I was looking for a small town and I did a lot of research and I heard about Noosa and Byron Bay. I had heard that Byron Bay was a hippy community, about the lifestyle, beautiful place, a small community and I was in love with Byron Bay.
Were you happy with your decision to come to Byron Bay?Very happy because it is such a beautiful place. I think I was very lucky with my host family because they are amazing people.
What did you study at BBELS?I studied General English and Cambridge. I think Cambridge is a great course for students who want to study hard, if you really want to improve your English it is the best option because the teachers are really good.
Tell me about what kind of work you have been doing in Byron?I have been working in a factory since April. The school helped me get the job and drove me and three other students to the factory with forms, tax file number etc. It is very good job which pays very well and it’s not so hard and the people are very friendly.
I have also done some cleaning work. It is very important to talk to the locals so you can get some tips on where to find jobs. I now have a job as a waitress in one of the restaurants in Byron Bay.
What other jobs have you been doing?I volunteered at the Blues Festival and it was amazing. I worked every day, I only had to work 4 hours a day and after I went to see the bands. I did service, I had to walk around and talk to the people. I did recycling and also in a bar. I met a lot of people, I met the volunteers and I saw them at other festivals like Woodford. My favourite band at the Blues was Sea Sick Steve, Ben Harper & the Blind Boys of Alabama.
I am volunteering at the Byron Bay Writers Festival because I really want to see a lot of Australian Writers.
I am also working at Splendour in the Grass, you need the RSA (responsible Service of Alcohol), it is a course you need to do. It is a 1 day course. You have to do an exam but it is easy. They have the courses here in Byron on Saturdays. You need this course to work in bars and restaurants.
What other kinds of Volunteer work are you doing?I am volunteering at the Echo the local newspaper and the local radio station Bay FM. Because I am a journalist and I want to improve my English. I spoke to the editor of the Echo and he is very nice and I am writing a story about what international travellers think of Byron Bay. The editor sat with me and changed the text and explained everything. It was so, so good.
Every Sunday I go to Bay FM and I talk about Brazilian music, I take my music and it is very interesting and I always learn something.
Describe a perfect day for you in BB?I really love to come to school I think it is a very nice place in Byron a lot of friendly people and great teachers. I love to cycle to the lighthouse after school and look at the sea and sometimes I see dolphins and sometimes I see whales. At night I like to go to the Beach Hotel with other students or to the Rails.
What advice would you give to a new student?I think it is very important not to speak your language, live in a homestay and don’t miss class and also enjoy the weekend, go to the beach and have fun!
