At just 14 years old, Christopher Noel Goodyear made the big move from Papua New Guinea to Toowoomba to pursue his studies at Concordia Lutheran College. With a cousin already here, his parents saw Toowoomba as the perfect place for him to experience boarding school life.
Why Toowoomba?
Christopher loves the cold weather and laid-back lifestyle that Toowoomba offers. When asked what advice he would give to other international students, he simply says:
💬 “Toowoomba is the place to be!”
Life in Toowoomba vs. Papua New Guinea
Christopher notes that Toowoomba is more developed compared to his hometown, offering a different experience from what he was used to. One of the biggest challenges he faced was living away from his parents, but he found comfort by making new friends and embracing life at boarding school.
Favourite Things
🍽 Food: Chicken and chips
🎬 Movie: Jumanji: The Next Level
🏉 Hobbies: Riding his motorbike and playing rugby
🌏 Fun Fact About Papua New Guinea: The country has over 800 languages!
Christopher’s highlight?
Fast food! 🍔🍟
His journey is just one of many incredible international student stories in Toowoomba. Whether it’s making new friends, adjusting to a different way of life, or simply enjoying the unique experiences Australia has to offer, Toowoomba is a fantastic place to study, grow, and create lifelong memories.
📍 Are you an international student with a story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your story through our website.


