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Name: Lisa Colquhoun
UOW Degree: Bachelor of Arts (Deans Scholars) Advanced Degree
Host University: Ajou University (South Korea)
Period of Exchange: Spring Session 2004
Even though I had travelled a fair bit prior to my exchange experience, nothing comes close to actually studying in a different country and living and breathing its culture. I am a changed person because of it.
Exchange students from all over the world in traditional Korean costume.
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Experiencing a snowfall for the very first time with my half American, half Korean frield |
Dressed in Korean style at a concert of the famous Korean hiphop act, Epik High |
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Why did you apply to the exchange program? For the opportunity to fully immerse myself in a culture far removed from my own and to enhance my Asia Pacific Studies major. Also, to travel and have it actually count towards my degree was a huge draw card.
Reason you chose your exchange destination? Purely for the reason that I had no prior knowledge of South Korea. It is not a country the ordinary person knows a lot about or would ever think of visiting, which added to its mysteriousness and appealed to me. Additionally, what better way to study Asia Pacific Studies than in Asia itself?
When I went on exchange, I never imagined that I
would meet so many cool and interesting people from all over the world and actually keep in close contact with them. In fact, since my semester abroad I have visited several of them in their home countries. Thanks to my exchange experience, I now have friends from Nepal to Sweden, from Uzbekistan to Mexico, and they are undoubtedly friends for life.
What were your favourite subjects overseas? I thoroughly enjoyed the subject Activities of International NGOs, mostly because the Korean professor was so knowledgeable in the field and was hugely entertaining. I also liked the subject Contemporary Issues in Korean Society for the fact that the class entailed several interesting excursions around South Korea, including an exciting trip to the eerie DMZ.
How has studying overseas benefited your UOW degree? It has certainly reassured me that I have chosen the right majors. I also believe that future employers will be very impressed by my exchange experience, as it shows that I am willing and able to step outside of my comfort zone and can adapt to different situations.
What was the best thing about the exchange experience? It is way too hard to pick one thing that stood out as being the best thing about the experience, as everything was absolutely awesome! However, I must admit that the opportunity to befriend people from all around the world and to learn about their cultures and ways of life was a definite highlight, as was celebrating my 21st birthday in their company (if my vague memory serves me correctly).
Greatest challenge? Adjusting to the nocturnal nature of the country. I mean, its common for Koreans to go clothes shopping at 4am!!
Has the experience changed your approach to life back in Australia? Since returning from Korea I am a lot more independent and adventurous in my choices. I feel that nothing is beyond my reach. Also, I have an unstoppable habit of bowing my head when I say hello and a relentless craving for yellow radish and kimchi (fermented cabbage drenched in chilli).
Advice to future exchange students? Be adventurous. Choose a destination that doesnt automatically spring to mind. And soak it all in
the tastes, the smells, the sights its a once-in-a-lifetime experience so make the absolute most of it!
- Lisa Colquhoun
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