Sister City Program – Costa Mesa, California
Estancia High School

Each year in January, a group of senior students from the College have the opportunity to experience Estancia High School for three weeks with the main purpose of developing leadership skills and developing global connections.

The Program

Students are immersed into the culture of Estancia High School and its community. Students attend classes, visit other secondary and primary schools and present to various groups within the community (such as the school board) on life in Wyndham and at Hoppers Crossing Secondary College.

Student and teacher chaperones stay with two host families for approximately one and a half weeks each over the three week stay. This allows them to truly experience life as an American teenager.
The students also visit some of the finest attractions that Southern California has to offer including Disneyland, Universal Studios, Hollywood and Orange County (The OC).

In July of each year, students and educators from Estancia High School visit the College for 3 weeks.

Selection Process

Successful students submit an application form and are then shortlisted for an interview with a panel of staff members from the College. They are asked to deliver a short presentation and answer some impromptu questions from the panel. Involvement in the program in prior years (eg: hosting an Estancia student) provides students with an insight into the benefits but also the hard work and dedication the program requires. The cost of airfares is covered through the College fundraising program.

Leadership & Teamwork

Once selected the students embark on a year-long journey whereby they develop a presentation that showcases the College, the City of Wyndham and aspects about being a teenager in Australia. Upon their return the students develop a presentation highlighting their experiences focusing largely on the educational aspect and how the program has benefited them as global citizens.

Applications for the 2020 Estancia Program 

Applications will open in term 3

All enquiries should be forwarded to Ms Kim Firkin, International Programs Coordinator.