Bulletin

Issue: March 2004

News

La Trobe helps Australia Connect with Korea

La Trobe University's first Australia Connect program-in which 63 Korean tertiary students studied English at the Bundoora campus-was successfully completed in February.

The students from Yonsei University, Seoul, and Daejeon University, Daejeon, spent from three to five weeks studying English at the La Trobe University Language Centre.

During afternoons, evenings, and weekends, they participated in activities designed to introduce them to aspects of Australian culture ranging from didgeridoo playing to excursions and sporting events. The students lived at Menzies College during their stay.

A unique feature of the program was the appointment of Menzies College students as 'buddies' for the Koreans, ensuring that each visitor had a personal guide, mentor and friend-and somebody on whom they could practise their English.

Laura Burge, a third-year student of international relations, helped organise the program with the Head of Menzies College, Dr Michael Shortland.

The program follows recent visits to La Trobe from delegations from Korean universities. Plans are being made for a second program in 2005.

'Both groups were keen to return, and Daejeon University is hoping to send over 100 students for a month next year,' says Mr Martin van Run, Director of the Language Centre. 'We are all looking forward to the opportunity to build up a strong relationship with Korean universities, and Australia Connect was a great start.'

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