Stephanie McWILLIAM

La Trobe University, Australia
Exchange to Hallym University, South Korea

“안녕하세요 - Annyeong haseyo” the man said, bowing as he greeted me. I smiled and bowed back, unsure exactly what he had said. I later learned this phrase was hello in Korean, and it was one of the many phrases I learned while on an overseas exchange in South Korea. The intention, however, had been clear and as I straightened up and saw his smile, I knew that I was going to love it here!

In 2010, with the generous support of the Australian Government, the Cheung Kong Group and my university, I was given the opportunity to study at Hallym University, South Korea. Being a smaller regional university gave it a bigger community feel, and being nestled between the winding river and tall mountains around Chuncheon made for some spectacular views! I had been studying a Bachelor of Education at my university, and in Korea I majored in mathematics, studying also media and cinema, sport, and Korean language. My classes were mostly with Korean students, which gave me numerous opportunities to practice Korean, as well as learn more about these quiet yet kind people. As we spent time together, I learned about their food and how to sit on the floor and eat with chopsticks, and participated in their day-to-day life.

Although my purpose for being there was to study, I took every opportunity to experience Korea. So much of the learning did not come from the classes but from getting out and experiencing what Korea had to offer. I went with an attitude of ‘make the most of every opportunity and don’t leave with regrets’. I can honestly say I accomplished both of those goals. As well as studying, I made trips to Seoul, went hiking, white water rafting, skiing, bicycle riding, flew to Japan, had midnight parties, went to concerts, saunas, and a Korean Church. The University also organized several trips that took me to the DMZ, the beach, and had me participating in: sports days, cultural & food nights, singing contests, and building houses. I wonder sometimes how I managed to fit it all in!

Overall my exchange experience was fantastic! Of course there were challenges; the first couple of months were a bit lonely until I made some good friends, the language barrier was frustrating at times, and I couldn’t find anyone who liked Vegemite. There were scary moments when North Korea attacked and nearly restarted the war. However, that all pales in light of the good times I had: my studies were enjoyable, I have tried and learnt so many new things, and have friends now all over the world.

Having finished my teaching degree has opened up the world to me. I am now teaching in London, and have plans later to teach in rural Africa. I have been back to visit my friends in South Korea, and know that the friends I have made there will be lifelong friends, and the memories I have from that time will stay with me a long time!

© Copyright 2018 CK Group. All rights reserved.