South Korea – Belinda
Student: Belinda
Course: Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion
Program: Hanyang Winter School, South Korea
NCP mobility grant recipient
I would describe my Hanyang University Winter School experience as unforgettable, and would definitely recommend it to other students. The actual unit I undertook was really interesting – there’s no better time to learn about ‘Korean Society and Culture’ than when you’re immersed in it. Our lecturer was fantastic and so engaging, and during each class, made up of students from around the world, he created an opportunity for us to get together in small discussion groups, so we were able to share our ideas and different cultural perspectives. In this way, we learnt almost as much from each other as we did from the lecturer. I believe that through this learning experience, I have developed a cross-cultural understanding that I hope to take into a career in public heath and health promotion.
Hanyang University could not have been a better host. On orientation day we were all given Hanyang University varsity jackets, so the winter school students were easy to spot around campus. The Hanyang Global Lions (student ambassadors) wore the same jackets in a different colour so we could identify them and ask for assistance/guidance, and they did an amazing job of keeping us safe and supported throughout the winter school, particularly when we went on excursions. They would meet us at the subway station exit and escort us to various meetings/events, ensuring no one got lost or left behind, and were dedicated hosts. On orientation day we were bussed out of town to an ice-fishing festival, which was such a special experience (I even caught a salmon!), and on one weekend we were taken on a day trip to a ski resort where we enjoyed a ski lesson, with all meals provided. In addition, just about every night of the week, the Global Lions took students out for optional activities, such as trampolining, ice skating or visiting a teahouse.
Seoul itself is such a vibrant and exciting city. There is so much to see and do, with modern shopping plazas, dining and entertainment, as well as ancient palaces and cultural villages to visit. The efficient, reliable and affordable subway system makes it very easy to get around and explore the city. I am very keen to return to South Korea, to explore more of Seoul, and to visit other cities such as Busan, and the island of Jeju.
As a mature age student with a family, I hadn't really considered undertaking an exchange program during my degree. But the short term program was such a great opportunity, allowing me to have this fantastic experience without being away from my family for too long.