Our First Ever Hop Education Abroad Well-Come Arrival Program

I'm not huge on self-promotion but I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve just pulled off. Our very first Hop 'Well-Come' Orientation in Byron Bay for Australia Spring Semester students is in the books! Launching a brand-new education abroad organization has not been easy, and to have already reimagined the arrival experience into something this meaningful, immersive, and student-centered is a massive milestone for us.

This wasn’t your typical orientation. Instead, we flipped the script, focusing on health, wellness, and connection from day one.

?? It began with a Welcome to Country led by the incredible Delta Kay , a local Indigenous elder. Delta shared powerful Dreaming stories, offering deep insights into the cultural and spiritual significance of the Bundjalung land. On a walk through rainforest, students learned about the traditional ways Bundjalung people cared for and preserved the environment, as well as the devastating impact of settlement and displacement on Aboriginal communities. They learned some Bundjalung language, explored native bush foods, and natural medicine, and to top it all off, we even spotted a wild koala with her joey!

?? We focused on personal well-being with a powerful session led by Tim Jack Adams , founder of GreenX7 —a thought leader in the wellness industry who has worked with everyone from the Australian Defence Force to Olympians and top global companies. Tim was joined by Dr. Jodie Bradman, a clinical psychologist, and together they guided students through an evidence-based, yet deeply personal, exploration of wellness, helping them reconnect with themselves, others, and nature. The framework challenged students to rethink their expectations, prioritize self-care, and create sustainable balance in their new environment. It was more than a workshop—it was truly a mindset shift for the semester ahead with students actually commenting that 3 hours wasn't enough time with Tim and Jodie.

??? Another session explored the power of food as medicine in a hands-on workshop with renowned chef and clinical nutritionist Chef Samantha Gowing . As the consulting Wellness Chef for Club Med Asia Pacific and a leader in global wellness solutions, Samantha’s expertise in nutritional healing and plant-based cooking is unmatched. She introduced students to Byron Bay’s vibrant food scene and showed them how to build budget-friendly, nutritious meals using locally sourced ingredients. Her Food as Medicine philosophy left students feeling inspired, equipped with easy, healthy recipes, and ready to take ownership of their well-being abroad.

?? Prioritizing fun as a pillar of wellness we kayaked alongside dolphins and a curious sea turtle with Go Sea Kayak Byron Bay , an Eco Certified tour company in the area and a two-time winner of Best Eco-Tour in NSW. With a strong focus on sustainability and cultural recognition, their team is passionate about sharing ethical, conservation-driven experiences. A perfect way to reinforce the idea of “look after nature, so it looks after you!”

And all of this took place in a stunning and sustainability-focused hotel — Crystalbrook Byron . Nestled in 45 acres of subtropical rainforest, Crystalbrook Byron was selected for its deep commitment to sustainability—partnering with EarthCheck for a more sustainable tourism industry. Staff uniforms are made from eco-conscious threads by an Australian start-up, bathrooms are 100% waste-free and even coat hangers are made from recycled cardboard. Menus list climate calories so you can tell if the ingredients are locally sourced, sustainably grown or caught and culturally considered, the hotel even houses it's own thriving bee colonies—this property was the perfect setting for students to start their study abroad experience with a sense of connection to place, nature, and each other.

Throw in morning yoga, some great hikes and incredible locally-sourced foods and students left, feeling ready to begin their semesters at Bond, ICMS, Newcastle and UNSW, already grounded in their new home with new friendships, new perspectives, and an appreciation for balance, well-being, and cultural understanding.

Huge thanks to my dream team— Bella Stevens, Nick Falzone , and Adamson Novak —plus all of our incredible presenters who made this vision a reality. This is just the beginning, and I'm pumped to roll out the Well-Come Model to all of our other destinations on our mission to redefine the study abroad experience.

Onward and upward! ?? ??