Thirteen Central Queensland University Bachelor of Learning Management students were given the opportunity of a lifetime when they were chosen to spend four weeks teaching English in Korea.

The CQU Bundaberg, Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton students flew out just days after Christmas and have recently returned saying it was a priceless opportunity which they would recommend to other students.

The University students taught English to Korean students who were undertaking extracurricular studies while on vacation. Lessons were held at Ulsan College and were open to students from various schools.

Fourth year Bachelor of Education Rockhampton student Karissa Wardill said the Korean tour was a “real experience” one in which she would “definitely recommend to others”.

“We got the chance to teach English to Korean students – my students were between 13 and 14 years of age – who surprisingly knew a lot more than we expected,” Miss Wardill said.

“They had a basic level of communication in English, however had a few grammatical problems. They had been used to American English, so they had a few problems understanding our Aussie accent initially.” Ms Wardill explained Korean schools included English in their curriculum, and many students were eager to learn as much as they could about the language.

CQU students stayed with families in the city of Ulsan in an effort to learn more about the Korean culture. Students experienced Korean food and took part in the usual activities of a Korean family.

“I stayed with a family in a small apartment block and had a mum, dad, two sisters and a brother.” Commenting on the differences between Australia and Korea, Miss Wardill said: “They seem to eat a lot of spicy things. They would place a lot of little dishes on the table for us to help ourselves. Some I liked, others not so much. My mum soon learnt what I didn’t like.” She said school students were under a lot of pressure to succeed in Korea.

“There is a lot of pressure on the students to do well, and to gain entry into the best university.” “The students we were teaching were on holidays, but they were not resting. If they weren’t at the college, they were at the library, being tutored or at home studying.” Impressing Ulsan College staff some CQU students were offered work at the College.

“I was offered a job while I was there, but I told them I needed to complete by degree and receive teachers registration in Queensland before I thought about taking a position overseas. But it is definitely something I want to do in the future,” Miss Wardill said.

Over the past two years Ulsan College has developed a close relationship with CQU. Two groups have visited the CQU Language Centre in Rockhampton for month-long study tours and another is due to return in 2003.

CQU also sent a group of student teachers to Ulsan for a month-long teaching experience last year.

CQU’s Study Tour Coordinator Helen Stewart said the Korean experience also contributed to students’ practical work experience required for their degree.

Above: Karissa Wardill; Left: Karissa Wardill with her Korean family Hoon, Ye-won, Sun-hye and Chul Jeoun.