From Canberra to Korea: A Year of Language, Growth and Discovery

 

For many students, university is a time to explore different interests and discover passions. For Madeline Hulm, a student at the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, that journey took her over 8,000 kilometres around the world to South Korea.  

Before university, Madeline describes herself as being “really indecisive in high school,” with wide-ranging interests that made it difficult to choose just one field of study.  

Her passion for the Korean language, English literature and the arts guided her to the Australian National University (ANU) to study a flexible double degree with a Bachelor of Arts in the ANU College of Arts and Social and Sciences (CASS) and a Bachelor of Asian Studies in the School of Culture, History and Language at the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP).  

The flexible double degree study option enables students to explore a broad range of interests and receive two degrees in just four years. 

“Because I’m particularly interested in English literature and the Korean language, I chose degrees that would allow me to pursue majors in both simultaneously,” she explains. 

Madeline’s passion for the Korean language naturally led her to consider an immersive experience through the Year in Asia program.  

This flagship program at the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific offers students in eligible degrees the chance to undertake a year-long exchange in one of four countries in Asia including; China, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea. The program allows students to immerse themselves in another language and culture, developing their cultural and linguistic skills in a truly unique way.  

“I applied because I wanted to do an exchange for longer than a semester to really improve my Korean,” Madeline says.  

After hearing positive testimonials from her friends and peers who had completed the program, she decided to apply. Choosing South Korea as her host country was an obvious decision. She had been learning Korean since middle school and felt limited in the English-speaking environment of Australia.  

“I wanted to go to South Korea to immerse myself in the language and culture and to become a more fluent speaker,” she shares. 

The immersive experience delivered exactly that. Prior to the exchange, she struggled most with comprehension and conversational fluency. But spending 12 months surrounded by the Korean language transformed her ability to communicate.  

“Being immersed in a country where I’m forced to speak the language daily helped immensely. My confidence increased, and I became more comfortable using Korean in ordinary situations,” she says.  

A standout moment for her was when she realised just how far she’d come in listening comprehension, a skill she once found especially challenging.  

“It was one of my proudest moments when I was able to look back at my grades in the listening section and visually see the improvement,” she recalls.  

But the benefits extended far beyond language. Personally and academically, the year abroad was a catalyst for growth.  

“Living in a foreign country builds so many educational and interpersonal skills. It helped me grow as a person and figure out what kind of student I want to be,” she reflects.  

The experience also instilled a lasting sense of resilience.  

“There’s this mentality of ‘I lived in a foreign country and spoke a different language for 12 months; I can accomplish anything now – and that’s stayed with me.” 

Professionally, the Year in Asia served as a valuable trial run for life after graduation.  

“Living and studying in Korea for a year helped me decide whether I’d like to work there after I graduate. It gave me insights and the chance to talk to people already in those roles,” Madeline says.  

To students considering the Year in Asia program, Madeline’s advice is simple.   

“Go for it! It’s a bit nerve-wracking at first, but it’s so much fun and you experience so many new and amazing things.”  

The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific proudly prepares students to navigate the vibrant and diverse Asia-Pacific region. Through programs like the Year in Asia, the College offers students such as Madeline a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

This prepares students to confidently explore an exciting career with a unique educational background and understanding of one of the most dynamic regions in the world.  

Madeline’s story is a testament to the transformative power of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, embracing another culture, and fully committing to language immersion. For students at the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific, her journey is an inspiring example of what’s possible when curiosity meets courage. 

If you want to find out more about the Bachelor of Asian Studies and the unique programs available to CAP students, enquire today: https://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/study