Playing tennis in –11 degrees conditions and screaming reactions from Vegemite taste-tests were among the highlights for four Central Queensland University students who recently returned from teaching in South Korea.

In a joint venture with Ulsan College, Education students Steve Fussell, Amanda Kay, Rebecca Williamson and Ken Harvey taught students attending a four-week winter camp program.

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education student Amanda Kay said the experience extended and tested her teaching strategies, as the children offered limited English skills.

“The children weren’t used to our Australian teaching style which includes a lot of group work and interacting. By the end of the four weeks they started to work together quite well,” she said.

In a first for CQU Mackay, the students taught children aged from 6-14 years. Classroom activities related to increasing their English skills while exploring the Australian culture.

Education & Creative Arts Sub-Dean Associate Professor Bruce Knight said the trip strengthened students’ teaching skills and awareness of the South Korean culture.

Nine students from other CQU campuses also took part in the teaching placement.

Photo caption (YellowH & Korea2H): CQU Education students Steve Fussell, Amanda Kay, Rebecca Williamson and Ken Harvey (back) swap stories after returning from teaching in South Korea recently.