Have you ever wanted to learn about a new culture directly from the people who live it? That’s exactly what Miss Hayley Kemp’s Year 7P HSIE class at Parkes High School did last year through their participation in the Asia ConneXtions program. The program gave students the opportunity to connect with peers from JangMoK Arts Middle School in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea, in an effort to build intercultural understanding and awareness between the two cultures. From March to November, the classes met every 2–3 weeks via Zoom to share insights into each other's countries and daily lives. Topics ranged from traditional foods, holidays, clothing, and music to school routines, games, and gift-giving customs. One of the highlights for the Parkes students was seeing performances by the South Korean students, which included singing, dance routines, and instrumental music. “It surprised me how they were all really good at playing instruments,” Annabelle Cottier said. “A few played the guitar and one played the piano. It made me realise how different but so close people can be, even if they live in different countries.” Her classmate Rhys Hutchins shared similar thoughts. “It was amazing to see how different, yet how similar we were at the same time," he said. At the end of the program, each Parkes student was paired with a buddy in South Korea to exchange gifts from their respective cultures. Although the packages took a long journey, including getting lost it Germany, the Parkes students, now in Year 8, finally received their gifts in April. Ardian Sasmoyo gave a koala plushie to his buddy and received 14 different types of South Korean lollies in return. “I ate them all in one day,” he admitted. Shriya Chand gifted her buddy Kim-Yun Seo a set of Australian road sign and national animal keychains, along with a koala plushie. “In exchange, she gave me a cup of ramen, toys, letters, and pictures,” Shriya said. Annabelle received a cultural bracelet from her buddy, Yu Hi Min, after sending a pair of thongs and a book as her own gift. “It was really good, and I had a lot of fun talking to new people and exchanging gifts,” she said. Reflecting on the experience, many students said the program was valuable in helping them understand how people in different countries live and learn. “We learn more about the wider world around us and get more context and perspective on the life of a South Korean teenager,” said Rhys Hutchins, Alexis Schonberg, and Josie Beuzeville. Students were fascinated to learn that their South Korean friends begin school at 7am and finish at 5pm, and that 'hello' in Korean is 'annyeonghaseyo'. “I really enjoyed the experience I had with the South Korean students, and I’m really glad that I had this opportunity,” said Alexis Schonberg.
