Marcelo Irineu and Bruno Curci started the exchange in Australia in 2016. The chosen destination was one of the most famous cities in the world: Sydney. Expectations were met, and the couple were delighted with the structure of the New South Wales capital, the beaches, the ease of transportation and the respect they found.
Despite the "match" with the location, the students recently had to move to Hobart, Tasmania's capital, as they are aiming for permanent residency in the country. Marcelo is currently studying a Diploma of Leadership and Management at Orange International College because of the immigration visa options that make sense in this process.
Watch the full interview below:
Good Day: Why did you decide to leave Sydney?
Bruno: The decision to leave Sydney was made the moment we had a consultation with an immigration agent. At this appointment, we were provided with all the research we had done in terms of visa types and immigration possibilities and, after a long conversation, we were convinced that Tasmania would be the best route for us.
GD: How was the process of choosing the new city? What was taken into consideration?
Bruno: Tasmania was suggested by the Immigration Agent because it was the most suitable option, taking into account our areas of professional activity, objectives and, above all, time. As Australia's immigration laws change constantly and so does the occupation list for the immigration system, time was a decisive factor in our choice of city.
GD: What was it like arriving and adapting to your new destination?
Bruno: As we wanted to make the move an experience, we decided to buy a car and enjoy the trip, which meant that the trip was incredible and the first few weeks were great! We have lots of stories to tell! But we confess that we found Tasmania strange at first sight. But little by little it has won us over! Tasmania is really beautiful and we are open to embracing this moment and actually living here to achieve our goal.
See also: How about a motorhome tour of Tasmania?
GD: Was it similar to the feeling you had when you first arrived in Australia?
Bruno: The only difference was the English, we were already well advanced when we got here, but otherwise it was like starting a game from stage 1. A fresh start like any other, but with the expertise of the previous experience.
GD: Friendship is a very important issue during an exchange and living in another country. What was it like leaving your friends in Sydney and meeting new people in Hobart?
Bruno: We really miss ALL our friends from Sydney! As we say, this is the exchange of the exchange, and leaving loved ones is part of it, unfortunately. But we have technology on our side, right? And meeting people here has been amazing! Most people are here with the same goals and are open to making friends and contacts.
GD: What about work? Was it easy to find work in the new region?
Bruno: At first it wasn't easy, no... people didn't reply to my application emails, and the places I handed my CV to in person wouldn't call me. But over time a few opportunities came up and I managed to get back into the hospitality business. Marcelo is a freelance designer, so he practically didn't stop working because he already had his clients. He's been trying to break into the market here in Hobart, but so far we haven't had any positive feedback. But we'll keep trying!
GD: Do you have any tips for those who are thinking of making this change?
Bruno: The main tip is to plan! Having a reserve of money is essential in case things go wrong. Knowing how to choose a school and having an agency that cares about this is very important also... most schools here don't have a good reputation. Be prepared for a fresh start and open to the new! New climate, new people, new learning... all of this comes together and we need to be mentally strong for this challenge!
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