Gwangju Middle School Students Explore Career Paths in Sydney, Australia

Middle school students from the Gwangju area explored career paths in Australia.

The Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education announced on the 26th that it successfully completed the first session of the "Visiting Self-Directed Career Exploration and Reading Experience International Exchange Program" for 9 days and 7 nights from the 14th to the 22nd in Sydney, Australia, targeting 3rd-year middle school students in Gwangju.

This program was prepared following the selection for the Ministry of Education's pilot project to activate international exchange based on Korean language education in December last year. It aims to cultivate self-directedness among 3rd-year middle school students preparing for high school admission and to enhance their career and job exploration capabilities.

Participating students took part in programs such as ▲ class exchanges at public schools in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, with buddies ▲ Saturday Korean language school discussion classes with 2nd and 3rd generation Koreans ▲ self-directedness cultivation education programs through step-by-step missions ▲ career special lectures at the University of Sydney and the National Technical College (TAFE) ▲ museum, art gallery, and library visits to understand Australian history and culture.

In particular, at public schools located in NSW, students attended classes with Australian students for three days.

They participated in various subject classes, including Korean language classes, together with their 1:1 matched buddies. During Korean language class, students had the opportunity to improve their communication skills by teaching Korean to Australian students through activities focused on self-introduction, identifying similarities and differences between themselves and their buddies.

Additionally, the participating students shared Korean culture with Australian students by showcasing their career specialties through performances such as the May 18 flash mob, K-POP dance, Arirang folk song solo, hip-hop dance, and by gifting recommended books.

Furthermore, career special lectures held at the University of Sydney, the National Technical College, and UNSW University provided opportunities to broaden perspectives necessary for career exploration by learning about the value of work, criteria for career and academic choices, and various professional fields.

Superintendent Lee Jeong-seon said, “I hope this international exchange activity provides middle school students in their career exploration phase with an opportunity to self-direct their career paths and develop the competencies needed for future society,” adding, “I believe it was a valuable experience that helped them grow into more open-minded individuals.”