Ladina and David are two great people from Switzerland. They have been married for 4 years and now they are both in Sydney, Australia, doing Hillsong College. Here you can read a little bit about their experiences in Sydney, while they where living, learning and and enjoying life “Down Under”,
 
Why did you decide to come study at Hillsong College?

“We chose to come to Hillsong Bible College because we had heard so much about it from others. Especially from my brother and sister in law, they had just returned to Switzerland, and where so pumped and excited about this place”, explains Ladina.

She worked as a doctor’s secretary back home, and she is really enjoying the change of lifestyle. David, Ladinaʼs husband, worked as a Product Manager in Switzerland.

“I did an apprenticeship and lived my everyday life working and going about all the other things you do. For some time I had reflected on our life.,it was great, but I kept thinking, there must be more. When Ladinaʼs brother and his wife came home and explained all that they had learned, experienced and gained by studying at Hillsong College, I was ready to go immediately!”

What has been your favorite subject during the years you have been at college?

Hillsong offers a range of courses and that was something that suited David and Ladina, as Ladina wanted to do dance and David wanted to study the Bible.

“I loved our classes in Old Testament studies,” David explains, ”our classes in Preaching with Pastor Robert Fergusson, and Pastoral care with Amanda Fergusson were absolutely amazing. They presented so many different aspects of life and ministry. Often I sit in class just amazed. I have really learned to understand myself and other people around me much better. The greatest thing is that Hillsong offers a lot of theory, but they also give us a brilliant platform to practice what we learn.

Ladina adds, “I did dance for my first semester, and it was really great. I had great teachers and they taught me some great skills. In my second year I changed to the Pastoral Leadership stream. This opened up a whole new world for me. I have learned so much about life and how to live a fruitful and effective life. I would recommend the Pastoral Leadership stream to anyone.You donʼt have to want to become a pastor to do this. It is such a great experience and you learn skills that will change your life.”

Where there any issues because you are a married couple?

David answers quickly: “No, I think itʼs easier. We do it together, experience the same things together, grow together, and encourage each other. I feel as if our marriage has grown stronger and better.”

Ladina adds: There is so much going on at Church and College, so youʼll always find people you can hang out with. In college we arrange social activities for married couples too. College is really focuses on the married couples and they really make sure that we are good. We do cinema nights, pizza nights, dessert night and all kinds of fun stuff. So being a married couple at College is no problem at all!”

How was it for you to move to Australia?

“Everyone is pretty relaxed and laid back”, Ladina explains, “the culture is not that different from back home and College is multi cultural. We have more than 50 cultures and nations represented. I was worried about my language in the beginning but as soon as I started speaking I immediately improved. So there was just one thing to do - practice."

David expands: “And the climate is fantastic. We love the summer and the beaches. Itʼs not too hard to keep in touch with the people back home either. With Skype and Facebook everyone back home feels much closer.”

What are you going to do after College?

Ladina says: “I would love to be able to get back into my old job, I really loved it. And then of course serve at Church too. Maybe in kids ministry or in a creative ministry”

David answers: I would like to be a Pastor in a Church. It would be really cool to do an internship with a Pastor to learn even more. I would also like to study further and maybe do a Bachelor in theology maybe.

Do you feel more equipped to go home and do what you are going to do?

“I found out what God had called me to do when I came here. He has put a great passion for the Church in my heart and I know now that that is what I want to build. I have also seen the potential the Church has. To reach that potential takes hard work. I feel that I have grown so much in leadership since I have come here. I have learned how to speak in public better. I learned pastoral care, I have learned the importance of relationships. The list is long. I would say yes I feel more equipped to go home! Ladina?”

“Well I never knew I that I could step out and become a leader. I did want to step out of me comfort zone and do it, I didnʼt like the challenge. But I did it and I am so happy I did. I have learned so much here at College.” Ladina ends.

What is a big thing God has done in your life in the time you have been here?

“I have found out who I am in Christ. I can’t see how I would have learnt this if I stayed at home. It is such an important thing to know.” Ladina proclaims.

David adds: “I have gotten to know the bible so much more. Especially through
reading it myself. I have seen how much freedom we have in Christ. There is nothing that should hold us back. I have set concrete goals and and I am devoted to working towards them. It has been such a privilege to be around so many great people both in Church and College. To see how they do life and the fruit from it has inspired me more than I ever thought possible."

So is Hillsong College worth it?

"Ladina smiles and says: “Yes, definitely, it is life changing. You see the bigger picture. Your limitations get blown away. It is amazing.”

David agrees, “It is absolutely fantastic. The best thing weʼve ever done!”.