Thirteen Central Queensland University Bachelor of Learning Management students have been selected to fly to Korea for an overseas teaching experience.

The CQU Bundaberg, Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton students will fly out 28 December to spend four weeks teaching mostly English to Korean students.

According to CQU’s Study Tour coordinator Helen Stewart the student teachers should expect to be enriched by the cross-cultural experience.

“The students should gain insight into the Korean culture and understanding of different teaching and learning styles,” she said.

“I would also expect the students to gain confidence in operating in a foreign country, despite the difference in language and lifestyle expectations.” The students will be sponsored by Ulsan College in Korea and will stay with homestay families.

“By staying with Homestay families the students hope to develop Korean friends and learn about different lifestyles,” Ms Stewart 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.

“This year’s tour is a repeat of last year’s, but this time CQU students are able to gain credits as the experience is counted as teaching practicum.

The CQU students will conduct classes at the Ulsan College campus and children will be drawn from the Ulsan community to attend five days per week for the four weeks during their school holiday period.

Although the student teachers will predominantly be teaching English, amongst the tour group is a group of Physical Education student teachers who hope to give the Korean students a taste of PE Aussie-style.

--ENDS-- Media are invited to speak with some of the students participating in the Korean trip as well as organiser Helen Stewart at this week’s briefing today, Wednesday 11 December, from 2 to 5pm at CQU Rockhampton, building 29/G.05. The session will be teleconferenced to students at the other campuses.

Helen can also be contacted on 4930 9314 or the Faculty of Education and Creative Arts’ Dr Ken Purnell can be contacted on 4930 9408.