Visiting Canadian student Annalisa Hill is the sort of person who stands out in the crowd, and not just because of her height.

She prides herself on being adventurous, with roles including kick-boxing charity organiser, fashion show model, independent movie actress and keen backpacker.

Annalisa particularly stood out when she travelled extensively in South America, Asia and Africa and this led to a few cases of unwanted attention, particularly in Tanzania. She also remembers being caught up in the middle of a Bolivian gunfight, and catching malaria in Thailand.

However, it is to relatively quiet Rockhampton that Annalisa has come to achieve Queensland teacher registration status, which will also be recognised in Canada.

She is enrolled in a 1-year Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching (GDLT), topping up her  4-year undergraduate qualification (from Toronto's Ryerson University) of a Bachelor of Technology (Graphic Communications Management).  There are 6 Canadians currently enrolled in the GDLT.

The GDLT involves a lot of online study, along with practical classroom experience (currently with Grade oners at Allenstown Primary School) and a weekly touchbase with her course coordinator and other GDLT students who live in Rockhampton.

Annalisa is sharing a house with a recent graduate of CQU who is around the same age, so she has had a chance to socialise as well.