A CQUniversity Gladstone student is enjoying a post Christmas present in Korea.

Janelle Patroni, a second-year Bachelor of Learning Management (BLM) Early Childhood student, was chosen as one of a select few students to travel to Korea to assist with teaching English in a rural community.

Janelle Patroni has been chosen to travel to Korea to assist with teaching English in a rural community. "Participating in these English Camps is an opportunity for our talented second and third-year students to learn first-hand about another culture and to experience teaching children who do not speak English as their first language," says Teresa Moore, the tour group coordinator.

Janelle travelled with a group of students from around Central Queensland to teach English for 3 weeks. They departed on December 27  to visit the Ulsan College in South Korea during the (Northern Hemisphere) winter break from regular school.

The Gladstone student is staying with a host family during the week, while spending weekends visiting different historical sites and local attractions with the group.

Before leaving Janelle said she was looking forward to a fantastic experience and a perfect opportunity to use the skills she has gained from her studies and practical experiences in the BLM.

She welcomed the opportunity to use her skills in a different teaching and cultural environment, and believes that this experience will enhance her ability as a teacher when she graduates at the end of 2009.

Janelle Patroni welcomed the opportunity to use her skills in a different teaching and cultural environment."Gaining experience overseas was something I was hoping to do after I had graduated from University, but CQUniversity has opened many doors for me and this is a great opportunity to study and travel at the same time." she said.

Gladstone is a small close-knit community and Janelle says that this experience would not have been possible if it were not for the close personal connections with the lecturers, local school teachers and education professionals.

" I did not think I would do as well as I have and it's because of the dedication from all these people helping me to succeed."

To be selected to participate in this experience, the BLM students must meet particular criteria that include a high academic and practical experience record. It is a very competitive environment. Teresa Moore said that this was the first time in the past 3 years that that a Gladstone Campus student had been chosen.