Jackson Thompson Blewden
Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia, Korean Language Study Abroad
Introduction
Hi everyone! I’m Jackson, one of the University of Auckland students spending three months studying Korean at Korea University in Seoul!
Although I was born and grew up in New Zealand, I’ve always been fascinated with the world around me and have had a deep desire to travel. I started learning Italian, Chinese, and finally Korean – which is how I was lucky enough to receive this opportunity to spend some time in South Korea!
I’ve just finished four years at the University of Auckland studying a conjoint degree (Bachelor of Arts and Global Studies), majoring in Communications and International Relations and Business. I’ve learnt so much about myself along the way, but I know that what I end up doing later in life will have a strong international focus.
On this trip, I can’t wait to make close friends with people from all kinds of backgrounds, expand my worldview, and get the opportunity to truly settle into local life, all while studying at the famous Korea University. Of course, I also am taking every opportunity to use and develop my Korean abilities, which is another aspect of this journey I’m incredibly excited about!
I still can’t believe I’m here and really on this journey – I’m so thankful to have received this opportunity. It’s going to be a perfect way to finish off my degree and close this chapter of my university life.
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The departure and our return
I’ve always found that in the lead up to a significant event, I never really feel that said event is actually going to happen, until it finally does. It was much the same for me in the week leading up to our departure. While I was very aware that our final week in Seoul had…Continue…
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What will I miss?
As I begin counting down the days in our final week in South Korea, I’m consciously cherishing many moments and experiences that I know I won’t be able to have when I return to New Zealand. There are so many aspects of life here that I love, but I’ve tried to distil these down to…Continue…
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What do I miss?
Time has continued to fly past, and I’m becoming ever more aware of our impending departure. With that in mind, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on my time here in South Korea. After two months of being away from home, I’ve realised there are most certainly things I miss and can’t wait…Continue…