Eight students from St Mary’s College Broome—four girls and four boys—recently embarked on a memorable immersion trip to Melbourne, gaining a firsthand experience of life in a large metropolitan city while building meaningful connections with partner schools.
This annual Immersion program was initiated in 1988 as a collaborative effort between Nulungu College (now St Mary’s College in Broome) and Xavier and Genazzano FCJ Colleges in Melbourne.
It aims to deepen students’ understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural diversity present in Australia. Through this initiative, students over many years have successfully had the opportunity to immerse themselves in different lifestyles, whether that be in the vibrant city of Melbourne or the stunning and remote Kimberley region of Western Australia.
A major highlight of the this year’s trip was the opportunity to attend classes at Genazzano College and Xavier College. Each student was paired with a host brother or sister, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in school life. Over four days, they followed their hosts to classes, engaged in lessons, and experienced the daily routines of students in a very different educational environment. This provided valuable insight into new teaching styles, facilities, and the pace of life in a city school.
Beyond the classroom, students explored some of Melbourne’s most iconic attractions. A tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) offered a behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s most famous sporting venues. Attending two AFL games was a thrilling experience, exposing students to the excitement and scale of elite Australian sport.
The group also visited the Eureka Skydeck, where they took in breathtaking views of the city skyline from one of the tallest buildings in the Southern Hemisphere. For many, navigating Melbourne’s extensive public transport system—catching trams and buses—was a new and exciting challenge, highlighting the contrast between city and regional living.
Free time in the city allowed for shopping and exploration, giving students a taste of independence and urban culture. Overall, the immersion trip was an enriching experience, broadening students’ perspectives, strengthening their confidence, and creating lasting memories and friendships.
