UCSI University student, Henry Angala, accompanying one of the SMU students during a trip to the night market in Cheras

The SMU students learning a little bit about Indian Malaysian culture from students of the Indian Culture Society, during a class session

UCSI University’s Manager of International Office, Mr. Roland Chan presenting a certificate of participation to a South Korean student

Kuala Lumpur, 23 January 2009 - Eighteen students from the Sookmyung Women’s University (SMU), Seoul, South Korea, were at UCSI University to attend a two-week long study tour. Their tenure at UCSI University was filled with programmes and activities that were designed to improve key English language skills.

The programme emphasised communication abilities and composure, and was also aimed at promoting cross-cultural understanding and communication. On top of that, it enabled the students to leave Malaysia with a much deeper understanding of the country’s diverse culture.

For two weeks, the SMU students attended classes which used role-plays, discussions, group projects and games to enhance communication skills. The students were also treated to various trips around the Klang Valley to see and experience slices of Malaysian life. This included visits to the nearby night market, local restaurants and other tourist areas in Kuala Lumpur.

Throughout their stay here, each SMU student was paired off with a UCSI University student during outings and activities. The students also held a Korean Culture Day called “Sparkling Korea” where UCSI University students enjoyed traditional and modern South Korean dances, opera performances, and sampled Korean snacks. All in all, it was a mini compendium of Korean culture and language.

UCSI University Mass Communications student, Steve Lam said the visit gave him a deeper insight into the Korean people, and their culture. “The only things I knew about Korea previously was its spicy delicacy, Kimchi, and Korean soap operas. But their culture is truly colourful, with a deep history behind it,” he said.SMU English Literature student, Jean Lee Hyun-jin said that youths in Malaysia are generally more enthusiastic and energetic, compared to peers back in South Korea. “Malaysian youths are more outgoing and open-minded, and it didn’t take us long to warm up to them,” she said.

Another SMU student, Monika Jhun Min-kyung who is currently pursuing her degree in German Literature, said that the recent UCSI University extravaganza, the UniFest 09, was an eye-opener for her. “It was at that concert that I saw students of many different races and nationalities get together, dancing and singing to the same music. This was a sight that I would never have been able to see back in South Korea, and I think it’s wonderful how Malaysians live in harmony with each other,” she said.