Brisbane kids set for culture trip

Brisbane youngsters will have a rare chance to immerse themselves in another culture when a group of Korean students journey to The University of Queensland during January.

85 students from the Hyoseong Primary School in Korea will have their first taste of life Down Under when they arrive in Brisbane for an English educational school from January 8-26, which combines a full program of English lessons with Australian cultural and sporting activities.

The Korean Summer School, coordinated by UQ SPORT, is being held for the first time in Australia and provides Brisbane children with a number of opportunities to interact with the Korean group.

Program coordinator Sasha Emmery said the school would prove a valuable experience for local children and the Korean students.

“The Korean students are visiting Brisbane with a view to improve their English and experience our culture and many tourist attractions,” Ms Emmery said.

“This allows interaction and integration with Aussie kids on several occasions throughout the course of the school.”

Ms Emmery said a number of key events are planned to provide local primary-school-aged children an opportunity to join the Korean Summer Camp and experience another culture.

“Sports afternoons at the UQ Athletics Centre and a cultural night will bring together the diverse cultures of young Australian and Korean students,” Ms Emmery said.

“This is a real chance for local kids to make friends from around the world, learn another culture and have some fun playing sport during the Australian summer.”

Interest in the sports afternoons on January 20 and 24 and the cultural night on January 24 have been high. UQ SPORT will also hold a separate games afternoon on January 17 in conjunction with the Bush to Beach Kids program for more than 200 country children from drought-affected areas.

During their stay the Korean students will be based at Emmanuel College, on the UQ St Lucia campus, and along with English lessons will take in the University’s sporting facilities and major South East Queensland attractions.

Outings will include visits to Dream World, the Lamington National Park, Australia Zoo, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the Australian Woolshed and the Gold Coast.

Further information contact: Rowan Foster on (07) 3365 6041 or 0421 976 972.