My name is Sun Hwa Lee and I come from South Korea with my two children. We came to Armidale, where my sister’s family lives, during my child care leave from a primary school, expecting to live here for approximately two years.

I am currently studying English at the English Language Centre at UNE.

The main purpose is that when returning back to Korea, I could be able to teach English to the primary students by my foreign experience and better knowledge in English.

Thus for the further study, I wish to join a master program in TESOL next year.

I have two children;  a nine-year-old son named  Kyuseo, and five-year-old daughter named Eunseo.

My wish also is that my children learn English too in an overseas country and they get as much exposure to different cultures as possible, and step out into the world and work anywhere in the future.

I had to leave my husband back home in his job. It was a hard time for my family at the initial time due to the long distance.

Although he is very busy at work, he made a time visiting us for about two weeks last January and promised to meet again in New Zealand this year.

By the experience of the schooling programs in my children’s primary school in Armidale, I found some interesting differences between education in Korea and Australia.

Korean education is generally strict and students are taught more subjects than in Australia. Due to high competition, after schooling each day it is common and became compulsory for students to do extra studies or physical activities eg mathematics or English tuition, painting, Teakyundo and so on.

Even if this would affect raising accomplishment in the level of education in Korea, many students could get stressed and do not have enough time to relax and play with friends and family.

Besides, there is a very good thing for both students and parents in Korea, all schools provide free lunches to students. It is good to have a balanced meal each day and prevent malnutrition for students.

On the other hand, the education system in Armidale appears to provide more chances to attend events for all members of family. For example, my children’s school holds many events over the year such as a Lion King performance, bike day, a pool party, and Grandparents’ Day.

It could mean students gain lots of advantages via these events after completing their role plays. They are having self-confidence, helping to look for their aptitude, feeling a sense of belonging as a member of society and family. I and my children have enjoyed the events whenever we attended.

I consider Armidale is a lovely and beautiful place to bring up children. This city has very clean air and makes us feel safe compared to other cities.

Whenever I go for a walk in the evening, I can see picturesque sunsets. I love that because it makes my mind calm.

Moreover, this environment could provide more choices in outdoor activities such as golf, horse riding and swimming. My children love visiting the local golf field and public pool in which they are excited playing and enjoying good facilities and non-crowded areas.

In Korea, due to high population density in the city where we had lived, there were always many people around whenever we had activities.

Although it is not easy to face a reality that our family members are living apart from each other for a while, our time in Armidale would be essential for taking this opportunity for both my career and my children’s widening point of view.

I am sure about that we can successfully complete this journey together as a family. 

Sacrificing to contribute to Nepal’s health – Archana Maharjan

Falling in love with Armidale – Fiona Fu 

Maureen chases her dream – Maureen Mansat Lebii

Japanese student shares Armidale experience – Minoru Masui