Lincoln University’s efforts to grow its links to North Asia are bearing fruit.
An initial agreement for South Korea’s Chonnam National University to send short term English and study abroad students to Lincoln has happily turned into something bigger, with an academic and students participating in its summer school programmes.
Patrick Yeung, from Lincoln’s International Office said the relationship arose from an introduction by the New Zealand Embassy in Seoul in 2016. He said it had become something that also benefited domestic students.
“For the International Office, apart from bringing in international students, it’s also good to see our staff and domestic students make good use, or leverage off, these overseas relationships that we develop."
Professor Christopher Gan, of Lincoln’s Faculty of Agribusiness and Commerce, recently made his second trip to Korea to teach a four-week study and travel programme as part of Chonnam National University’s International Summer Session 2018 (CNUISS 2018).
Fifteen professors from the USA, New Zealand, Hungary, Croatia, Poland, Argentina and Spain were invited to participate in the summer programme. Professor Gan taught a course in Economic Development in Asia to 22 students.
“Being here truly allows you to feel the essence and the real beauty of the life in Korea. Although it was only for a month, I have cultivated myself professionally in teaching abilities, expanding inter-cultural attitudes, and skills in creating relationships with people from all over the world.
“I would highly recommend, and have recommended, this programme to any student,” he said.
Student Pete Earl, who went to CNUISS 2018, said the course was a truly life-changing experience.
“Not only do you get to experience the wonderful South Korean culture, but also I made friends from all over the world. “I took the class "International relations and modern warfare" taught by a Croatian Professor who lived through the Yugoslav civil war.
“The class was a little demanding with readings and class discussions to be completed most nights, however, this was an extremely interesting course and greatly changed my perspective of the world,” Pete said.
“I spent most of my afternoons exploring the city and surrounding area with all my new friends. I would definitely recommend going to Busan if you have the chance. It is an extremely beautiful city with amazing beaches.
Student Lucy He saw the course as a good opportunity for to learn more about Korea’s culture and customs. She chose Professor Gan’s course, which she enjoyed, and made Korean friends who showed her around Seoul, and also had an American roommate.
“Although the trip was short I have good memories of it, and will travel to Korea again,” Lucy said.
Patrick said Lincoln has had short-term English students from Chonnam for the last two years.
"We hope to expand the relationship to other areas, such as study abroad, where students spend a semester overseas” .
He said he hoped in the future scholarships could be utilised for Lincoln students to travel to South Korea.
Chonnam National University is one of the top national universities in South Korea and lies between 151-200 in QS Ranking by subject for agriculture. Each year they send up to 350 students overseas for a semester abroad or short-term programme, with Lincoln their New Zealand option.