Seoul Summer School provides trip of a lifetime for Biomedical Science student
A GCU student has spent her summer embracing Korean culture thanks to a scholarship opportunity.
Third year BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science student Kanwal Chaudhry, who is also known as Kacy, joined more than 30 other students from the UK and USA for a month long summer school at Hansung University in Seoul.
Kacy said: “I always make sure to read the Uni News emails that are sent to our student inbox. I look at them from top to bottom because you never know what important information you’ll find.
“When I saw ‘Seoul Summer School Opportunity’, I literally ran with my laptop to my mum. I told her how there was the chance to go to Seoul from the 25th of June to the 22nd of July. I had to ask her because I’ve got a two year old and I needed her to be looked after while I was away - my husband works full time. She put my mind at ease and told me to apply for it since it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
A month after completing the application form, which included writing a paragraph about why she should be chosen, Kacy found out she’d been selected along with two other students from GCU.
“I just feel so lucky and privileged to have had the chance to do something like this,” explained Kacy.
“Other than our flights, the trip was fully funded by GCU. I find it incredible that the University provides opportunities like this for its students.”
Before packing her bags, Kacy had to get a Tuberculosis (TB) test and provide proof that she’d been vaccinated for Measles. She also had to sort a VISA in order to gain entry to Korea, and there was still the difficulty of paying for flights, which cost around £1000.
“It was a stressful time because it was March and I had exams in May, so I had to get everything done whilst studying.
“I noticed another Uni News email mentioning the Santander Travel Awards. I decided to take my chances and go for it. You can claim up to £1000 and I applied for the full amount because my return plane ticket was around that price. I eventually heard back from them in May and they told me I’d been successful!”
Kacy admits she had mixed feelings when it was finally time to head off on her summer adventure.
She explained: “There was so much excitement about going but I was also really sad to be leaving my daughter. I hadn’t been away from her for more than four days before – and this was going to be a month. I definitely had second thoughts at points before I left but my mum and my husband were so supportive. They kept telling me that I might not get this opportunity again and that I had to take it.
“My family know how much I love South Korea. I love their food, and I particularly love their culture and the impact it has on society. For example, if a person is even a year older than you then you have to show respect to them. This is often done through bowing, and the more you bow the more respect you show. Also, if you’re giving something to someone then you have to hold one hand under the other, if you don’t do this then it’s regarded as rude.”
Dreams finally became reality for Kacy when her plane touched down at Incheon International Airport.
“When I stepped into that airport in Seoul, I literally thought I was in a YouTube video. I was obsessed with their food before I went but it was just incredible to see all these things I’d seen online, like the different sweets and drinks.
“We then arrived at the Hansung University dorms and one of their Global Buddies, Yeonsol Ju, explained that they would be there for the night to provide any information we needed.
“The dorms were great. We were given the opportunity to pay extra if we wanted a separate room but I opted to share because I wanted to get the most out the experience and make friends. I was put in a room with another girl from the University of Greenwich and it was beneficial because she and a few of the other students are Muslim, so it meant I had people to find halal food with.”
The Hansung International Summer School (HISS) programme was developed for students from partner universities to experience Korean culture by getting the opportunity to learn the language and experience the best sightseeing Seoul and the surrounding area has to offer.
Kacy said: “We had a Korean language class Monday to Friday at 9am for either one or two hours. There was a beginner class and low/intermediate class for those who already knew a bit through K-pop and Korean dramas – which I particularly love!
“After our language class, we had our Korean culture class. It was really interesting to find out more about some of cultural dos and don’ts across their society. It’s actually illegal to stare at people in South Korea. It’s also illegal to take pictures of other people – even if your phone is on silent the sound of your camera shutter will still go off. Korean phones are programmed to have this as a default setting.”
Despite embracing everything Korea had to offer, Kacy admits there were some parts that took a bit more getting used to than others.
“The heat was insane. Our Welcome Packs included a water bottle and a fan, which proved to be very useful! The humidity and UV index were crazy – I actually took a sleeveless jacket with me and never wore it the whole month.”
Amongst a range of highlights from the trip, one particular experience stood out to Kacy.
“Going to see the demilitarised zone between North and South Korea was incredible,” she explained.
“I’m really interested in the history of this incredible country so I found their relations with North Korea fascinating. I’ve always wanted to find out more about the disputes.
“We saw ‘The Third Tunnel of aggression’, which was discovered in 1978. The tunnel is 27 miles from Seoul and was apparently going to be used for a surprise attack by North Korea before it was intercepted. It’s about 1,600m and is called the third tunnel because it was their third attempt at getting into Seoul.”
After so many different experiences, Kacy’s trip came to a conclusion with an award ceremony organised by staff and students at Hansung University.
Kacy said: “I actually didn’t know there would be an award ceremony at the end, I don’t think any of the students involved did.
“Everyone was given a participation certificated and I was also one of four students who received the Best Student in Korean Language award.
“I was really proud to get it because I love learning new languages. I already speak English, Urdu, Arabic and Russian. I feel like learning the language is respectful but it also allows you to learn more about culture.”
There was still one final award to be presented: The Honour Certificate for the Best Student of the Summer School.
“They described the winner before actually presenting the award,” explained Kacy. They said it was for the person who was enthusiastic, paid attention in class and overall participated in every aspect of the summer school. I was crossing my fingers hoping it was me. I didn’t know the award existed but I had given up a lot to be there and I tried to consume everything I possibly could and make the most of the experience.
“I thought back to when we visited museums and were given two hours to look around. Some people left early, but I wanted to see everything. This was because I knew this opportunity wouldn’t come again. Even if I was to return to Seoul, I highly doubt I would have the chance to spend two hours in the National Museum of Korea again.
“They called out my name and I just felt so happy. I called my mum and grandparents as soon as I could to tell them I'd won. It definitely made all the sacrifices worth it.”
Reflecting back on the whole experience, from the original application to her two awards, Kacy was keen to pass on some final words of wisdom to other students.
She said: “There’s so much that you can do at GCU that can benefit you for the rest of your life.
“The University tells you everything you need to know, whether it’s support or opportunities like this. Everything is in your emails, please read them and take advantage of anything you can.
“It’s all there waiting for you and it’s definitely given me one of the best experiences of my life.”
Find out more about GCU Scholarship opportunities here
By Ross Clark
Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or message me on Twitter