The document summarizes 15 important lessons the author learned during their year in Australia. Some of the key lessons included learning to appreciate Australian desserts like pavlova, how to set up a tent and communicate using Australian slang, getting used to looking for the passenger seat on the right side of the car, putting on weight while staying thin, tying a tie, buying properly sized shoes, and smiling as a universal language of kindness. The author also thanks the Rotary Club of Ipswich for making their experience in Australia possible.

1. 15 important lessons that
I’ve learned this year
By Tiago Dias

2. 1. How To Appreciate a Pav
Learning to appreciate and sometimes make this
wonderful Australian dessert was both exciting
and delicious. I’ll certainly miss the pav when I go
home.

3. 2. And To Stay Away From Vegemite...
Unfortunately, the Aussie favourite isn’t for
everyone... 

4. 3. To Set Up a Tent
This can be a very important life skill
sometimes, and I’m really glad that I’m having
so many opportunities to practice this newly
acquired ability.

5. 4. To Communicate in Aussie Slang
This has been a major one and being able to
successfully speak the aussie lingo has been very
useful when blending in with the locals.
‘’Good eye, might!’’ (G’day mate)
“Good tucker, mate!”
“Holy-dooly!”
“What a top bloke!”

6. 5. To look for my seat in the car on the right side
Still trying to get used to this one...

7. 6. That You Can’t Hire a Dingo
At least not the kind that I was thinking of...
VS ?

8. 7. To Put on Weight (And Yet Stay Thin)
At one point during the year I had nearly
10kg above the weight I had when I first
arrived...

10. 8. How to Tie a Tie
It may sound pretty basic, but ties aren’t part of
our school uniform back in Brasil...

11. 9. To Buy Shoes My Size
Trying them on at the store is also a good idea...

12. 10. To Look Charming in The Local
Newspaper

13. 11. That C-’s and D’s are perfectly
acceptable marks
However it is very
important that you
always give it your best!

14. 12. That a Hot Towel Treatment at The
Hairdresser is Not a Happy Ending
Thanks Bonnie for clearing that up.

15. 13. That The Yowie is Coming to Get You!
Be very careful when sleeping in the back of a ute!

17. 14. That a Smile is The Only Universal
Language
“A warm smile is the universal language of
kindness. ”

18. 15. And Most Importantly, ALWAYS
Believe in Yourself!
In this very special year I have learned
many important things, but this is by
far the most important of them all!

19. Last but not least...
A very special thank you to the Rotary Club of Ipswich, and
Rotary as a whole. If it wasn’t for this organization and
people like you, there would be no way I could be here.
You are really incredible. My sincerest thanks to all.
I hope you could also learn something from this experience.
I will remember you for the rest of my life!