reflection

How has your impression of South Korea changed in the last few days?
My impession of korea have change better in the last few days,. nitially, i did'nt know what the koreans are thinking and how they react. But after i went through all the pre trips assignments , going to differce places in korea and mostly seeing the people in POSCO high school , i found out that they are more able to express their feeling and they auctually did it almost everyday! For example, we went to the Daegu theme park where there is a bomb explosion in their subway and the people express their family members who are the victims by writing their true feeling on the subway outer part itself. I think this is the part where Singaporeans should learn to express their feeling ( in the right way ^^ ) and not always bottle up their feelings.
Overall, i have learnt more of the Korea traditional and also the mordern culture , as i have always thought the Korean dramas is the only thing korea have. Also, Korea is also very concern in the area where their country being green. From the surrounding seen, i can see that the govertment put alot of effort in promoting a green country by putting up recyle bin than rubbish bins , putting up postals to remind the citizens.
In your opinion, what are some similarities and difference between Singapore and South Korea?Similarities
Difference
List and explain three of your most memorable experience- We went to the english village and the street is very beautiful. It shows that the govertment took a lot of effort in promoting english. There is a hostel where those Korean teenage that want to learn english but live far away from the village can live i nthere and attend the lessons there. They also have real life experience in their village wherby the people ther set up fake stations, thus the students can practice communicating by english. Example, they set up a airport style ( check in & check out counter) and thus they need communicate by english.
- We went to the Daegu theme park where they let us take real life experience of the difference natural disaster and teaches us on how to react . Example, the earthquake where they teach us how and when we hide under the table.
- In the POSCO high school, i make friends with the korean students. And all of them are very friendly. Their principal also give the comparison of Singapore and Korea economy where it give me a deep impression.
List and explain three things you have learnt aboutyourself and your life as a student-Always put others before self. Be considerate. As we should be selfish by doing things that only fufil our own desire and neglect the others, This may harm the whole hgroup.
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- Being able to live in a multi racial , religion country. Able to appreciate other religion and live peacefully and harmony in Singapore. I am very blessed also i am very proud to be a Singaporean.

Crystal (3e1)--group 5South Korea have bigger land space than Singapore.
Koreans are more able to express their thought and feeling than Singaporeans.Both Singapore and South Korea is very concern about the fact that being green is important. And both countries are trying their very best to promote this idea of being green.
Both Singapore and South Korea are facing aging population problem. Have to learn to appreciate things instead of taking everything for granted. Such as being able to study. Being able to live in a safe and green city.

Reflection on S.Korea Experiential Learning .

- How has my impression of S.Korea changed in the last few days ?

My impression of S.Korea actually changed for the better after the trip. Before the trip , I was absolutely clueless about Korea. Initially , I thought that Korea was actually a not-so-good country. However , before we flew off to Korea , we had a few pre-trip assignment that more or less taught me about Korea's culture, language, manners etc. Through this , I've actually found out and learnt more about Korea. But , my impression of S.Korea still remained neutral.


Over the last few days , during the trip , I've learnt more about Korea and their way of life. I've experienced many different things and gained much knowledge. I was also impressed with Korea's clean and green environment. This actually impressed my greatly that changed my impression of Korea. Not only that, the Koreans are also very nice, well-mannered and friendly.


Thus, my impression of S.Korea actually changed for the better ;D


- In your opinion , what are 2 similarities and differences between Singapore and S.Korea ?


Lets talk about similarities first .


The first similarity that I've found between Singapore and S.Korea is that the environment in both country actually pretty clean. We can see that in both country , there are actually not much litter found on the ground. The air that we breathe is also quite clean.
The second similarity is that both Singapore and S.Korea are currently facing ageing population. Ageing population are increasing in the both countries and the government are trying their best to come up with solutions to solve this problem.


Next is the differences.


The first difference I find is the Singapore have very little and limited land space , which actually hinders Singapore's development , whereas S.Korea have a huge land space. Not only that , they have a lot of mountains.
The second difference is that , I've noticed that some of S.Korea's road does not have road/street lamps. However in Singapore , we'll see bright lights shining above us wherever we go.


- List and explain 3 of my most memorable experiences.


The first is POSCO High School.This is because it is the first time that I've interacted with a Korean friend so much . Not only that , we've talked a lot and have exchanged several ideas and questions with each other. I've also learnt many things from her , for example , appreciating Singapore's education system , because it is much tougher and stressful in Korea schools.
The second one is the Digital Pavilion that I've visited. The reason is because I've seen many latest technology that I've never seen , heard or used before. It is a new, interesting and and eye-opening experience for me. The newest technology that I've tried out over that honestly awed me , making it one of my most memorable experiences.
The third one is the Seoul Tower. The main reason is actually because I could see the whole of S.Korea up in the tower , which impressed me. The beautiful scenery made it memorable for me ;D


- List and explain 3 things I've learnt about myself and my life as a student.


Things that I've learnt about myself -


Firstly, I've learnt that I can actually be independent as I've to take care of myself during the trip without my parents. Also , taking the initiative to do certain things by myself.
Secondly , I've learnt to be more responsible because I've to take charge of myself. Not only that , I've to be responsible and think of others , and put them before me.
Thirdly , I've learnt that I can actually be environmental friendly if I just make the right choice and do what I should do.


My life as a student -


Firstly, I should appreciate the education system we received in Singapore . I should appreciate it because the workload and stress given to us is way lesser than in Korea , where students have to study all the way till 11.30 , or around that time . Their stress is huge , and rest time is little .
Secondly , I should learn and improve my English , as English is an important subject and language. The Korea government invested money to build and English village for the sake of the Koreans to improve their English and speak English well.


I'm very lucky to be chosen for this trip , and to be able to experience many things that I've never experience before.


Audrina .

My impression of Korea did not change much during the trip. It was a country with a unique culture and appetizing food. Although the food between Singapore and Korea have much difference, it also tastes as nice as those in Singapore. It is also a clean country with litter free and lastly, the Koreans are more cultured than I thought as they put away their own plates and bowl after finishing their food.

The similarity between Singapore and Korea is that both countries are facing with aging population. Their governments have tried all means to cope with the aging. As seen from the Daegu Senior Convention Centre, there are many equipment specially designed for the elderly which strongly aid their needs. As a result, the elderly are able to depend on themselves even when they are alone and easier for them to accomplish their daily activities better. Moreover, both Singapore and Korea were once under the Japanese Occupation. Thus, the Korean government constructed the Daegu Safety Theme Park so that the citizens could be better prepared in times of crisis like this. This is also quite similar to Singapore as we also had many preparations like the MRT video to prevent any terrorist attack. In contrast, there is also a big difference between Korea and Singapore in term of their food. Korean foods are much simpler and plain, their side dishes are also much colder whereas Singapore foods are much more delectable. The Korean also uses one hand to eat whereas we use both our hand at one time. Moreover, the Korean government also spent plenty of money in building the English Village to improve on the people English. I think that Singapore can also learn from it by investing more money on education, making it more interesting for the children to study.

The most fun and enjoyable part is the Daegu safety theme park where we got to experience different kind of situation like earthquake and fire in a subway etc. From there, I got to learn how to extinguish a fire and how to react under those circumstances. Secondly is the POSCO high school where we have a chance to interact with the Korean students. It is very fun and exciting as it was my first time to talk with a Korean friend. We shared about the difference between their school and ours. All I can say that is the school is really beautiful and huge ! Lastly is the shopping period. It is the time where I can buy all my stuff and goodies with my friends.

Through this trip, I had learnt to appreciate what I had now as a student. Judging by how the way Korean students study, I am very glad I do not have to study every day which the Korean do. Apart from that, I also leant that English is a very important subject even in Korea. Their government are willing to spent lots of money just to build the English village for them. From that, we can see how important English is in this society.

-TRACY(:

Reflection on My South Korea Experiential Learning

First of all , my impression of the Korean had changed . They are really friendly and easy-going . Although during the first day my friend and I had a reall unpleasan inccident wih a Korea lady ,but majority of them re really nice . Before coming to South Korea , all I admire about Korea is Kpop.  However after spending  7 days in Korea , I began to love Korea by its culture and the beauty of Korea really lies on their whole country , and only Kpop stars .

One similarity about Singapore and South Korea is both countries are facing aging population and both countries are trying their best to provide a better living environment for t senior citizens . This can be clearly seen from the example of the Daegu Senior Experience Centre.   At there , it shows lots of latest inventions of products that are specially design for the senior citizens . We even get to try out the “ aging gears “ and feels how it is like when we are 80years old ): Singapore uses almost the same way ti educate the students about conserving the community but ours is doing CIP in old folks home . This shows that both countries are aware of the importance of teaching the younger generations the needs of serving the community and also treating their own grandparents in a better way .

Another similarity about Singapore and South Korea is both countries are very fast developed . We suffered the pains under Japanese Occupations , however after gaining  freedom we work hard to achieve what we both are having now . South Korea rank 15^th in world economy whereas Singapore is 7^th .

One difference about Singapore and South Korea is our culture and history . South Korea has a long history unlike Singapore which is just a very young country . Therefore we get to experience a different culture and went to their historial places that I would never had a chance to experience it in Singapore .

Another difference is the way we are “ green “ . We can see recycling bins in both countries , however are Singapore really a Green City ? No, we are not . Singapore has recycling bins , but is not everywhere . Most of the places are still using normal rubbish bins. Whereas in Korea , we even have to separate the materials that can to recycle into different bins in MacDonald . It is our very first time doing this and truely speaking I am quite ashame of myself as i do not really know how to which item can be recycled . My Korea friend , Kim Hae Sol , even told me that there are different rubbish bin at her home for materials that can be recycled . South Korea are really educated in the ways of saving the Earth and they already doing all the environment friendly actions as part of their lives . However Singapore does not. We are just a Garden City , but definately not a Green City like South Korea.

There are many places that  I really enjoy myself at . These are my top three favourites : Andong Hahoe Folk Village , Daegu Safety Theme Park and POSCO High School.

Andong Hahoe Folk Village truely a place for us to experience the true folk culture of Korea. We get to see different agriculture and their traditional dances that was once used for their celebration havest. The best part is when we get to see a REAL clift . It is really amazing . No words can describe how happy I feel at that moment as the last time I saw a clift was only in my Geography textbook ):

Daegu Safety Theme Park taught us the safety of subway , earthquake and mountain climbing . It is so cool as we get to experience how it will be like if there is a real fire in subway and there is even fake smoke and sudden black out ! In Singapore there is no such theme parks that taught us how to get out of the subway safety when that’s a fire . It is a very educational trip and we really enjoy myself till I do not even feel bored even though we spent almost the whole morning in there !

Last but not least , POSCO High School is definately a place that I will never forget . The school is really huge ! The students there are so well behaved and friendly . I get to interact with my new found friend Hae Sol and we shared a lot about our schools and country . I get to know that the girls in POSCO are not allow to grow long hair and they have to study whole day , from 8.10am to 11.30pm ! They have almost 20subjects to cope with , which include 5/6 Mathematics and 4 Sciences. Why should Singapore students still complain being stress?  I really have a fun time with Hae Sol and we bond really fast . Before I leave she gave a tight hug and even cried ): I really miss her a lot now and I will never forget her.

After these 7 days , I came to realise that I love to procastinate and I SHOULD change it . According to Hae Sol , one day they will need to complete 4different subjects of homeworks it will all needed to be hand in on the next day . I remembered asking her “ Wouldn’t you feel stress ? “ . She just smiled and replied me “ This is life.” I am really impressed by her answered and I begin to ask myself “ Why I could not be like her ? Get things done as soon as possible no matter when is the deadline! “  . I also learn that being punctual is very important . That is once my friends and I were all late for breakfast as a result we have no time eating any breakfast but just a piece of bread. This is really a lesson learn for me , showing how someone actions can lead to serious consequences . Our teachers are very disappointed at us as we are supposedly the better students . Being punctual will definately give a good impression and we should not neglected its important . Last but not least , I learnt to put others before self , focusing on the “ you” and not “ I “ . This is a cultural practice in Korea and we should learn it . That explain why the Koran are all so selfless . (:

I will like to specially thanks Mr Leong and my parents for giving a chance to go for thsi Experiential Learning Trip to South Korea . I really enjoy myself very much. I will also like to thanks all the teachers and friends that had taken of me during these 7days . Without you all , this trip would be a complete trip :D I love you Mr Edwin Wong , Ms Joani Lim , Mrs Wendy Lee , Ms Goh Lee Choo and Mdm Enuice Koh plus my GREAT FRIENDS :DD

SOPHIE ^^ 3E1

REFLECTION on my South Korea trip

How have my impression changed?

-Focusing on Korea’s education system and how the Koreans aim for a higher qualification:

 Initially, before I went to Korea, I had a mentality whereby the Koreans would definitely emphasize more on their

first language more than their second which was English. However, after I have gone there, my mindset changed

as the Korean students have proven that they wanted to upgrade themselves to a higher level. They aim that by the year 2025, they must be able to

interact well in English. In addition to that, their standard of English must also be comparable to Singapore. Thus, they set up the English village.

Their main purpose was to educate the next generation to learn this particular language well so that the country as well as each individual can

benefit much from it. Seeing how ambitious Korea is, in terms of education, it really motivates and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone

and always stay humble and be keen to learn new things.

Similarities and differences between Singapore and Korea.

Talking about the 2 similarities between the two countries:

Both Korea and Singapore faced a threat in terms of ageing population. Thus, both countries are preparing for the worst situation in the future. What have Singapore done to prepare for ageing population in the days to come? Singapore governments have tried their best to encourage Singaporeans to give birth to more children. What measures have they implemented? The most practical way is to introduce incentives and benefits to Singaporeans whom are willing to give birth. Examples are extended maternity leave and a balance work-life. Such measures are taken by the Singapore government in preparing for ageing population. This is because Singapore is very clear about the impact and problems they definitely will face if they do not start preparing for it. Problems might be: the high demand in terms of healthcare and social services, smaller workforce and the reduction in competitiveness. On the other hand, Korea have done their part in ensuring that the older generation will be able to lead a better life even if they are old. This can be done by setting up a senior convention centre whereby high technology equipment were sold to help made the elderlies lead a better life. Though they still have to rely on machines to move around but at least they are still able to be independent as they do not need much help by their family members and thus will not be a burden to them. Thus both countries faced with the threat of an ageing population and both are finding different ways to solve the problem as fast as possible so that it will not affect their economy and future workforce.

In addition, both countries are also very competitive in terms of education. Why? Singapore aims to educate each and every student by giving them as many opportunities to learn by investing a huge sum of money to encourage the students to venture out to learn as much as they can for themselves as well as for the country. Besides that, they also encourage students by awarding them with scholarship awards, merit bursary and eagles’ award whenever they do well. Singaporeans also take national exams such as PSLE, O levels, A levels and even allow students to take A level straight away and go in to university. This truly allows Singaporeans to work hard and attain a higher qualification as we know very well that in the future, without a certificate, we will not be able to get good jobs neither can we even think of coping well in such a well developed country. Thus, it is very important for us to grab every opportunity and strive for the best. Besides that, Korea also strives very hard to do well in terms of educating their students. Taking the example of students in POSCO/ POCHEOL HIGH SCHOOL, every student aim extremely hard to get into the best university and hoping that they can study in the room whereby only the top students can enter. Not only that, the most amazing and shocking thing to hear was that the students there studied till 11pm everyday in school and even during weekends, they go back to school to study. They only rest during their summer holidays. How many Singaporeans do that? Seriously speaking, the Korean students have motivated me to not take any learning opportunity for granted as every chance given to me may not be given to others so I must learn to appreciate it.

However, there are still differences between the two countries.

Korean’s have learnt to put others before themselves. This can also be heard from their language. When they speak, the word “WE or YOU” always comes before the word “I” and this really impress me a lot. It also teaches me to always learn to put others needs before mine. However, nowadays, Singaporeans have become more selfish. The mentality whereby “ME” must always come FIRST followed by others is a very sad thing to hear but its happening. I feel that Singaporeans have a lot to learn from the Koreans.

Moreover, Singapore only experience hot and rainy weather conditions all year round but Korea experience the 4 seasons throughout the year.

3 most memorable experiences:

- Daegu Safety Theme Park

It teaches me how to react when emergency happen to strike. I feel that it is really meaningful and enjoyable. The things that I have learn can help to save my life and the lives of others when in need. It also helps creates a sense of urgency as it endangers the lives of people if safety precautions are not taken in time.

- POSCO steel manufacturing industry and High School

I learnt and have seen how steel was manufactured. Its really interesting as this is the first and the last time I get to see such things. Its really a rare opportunity. I also felt that it was fun getting a chance to meet and interact with the Korean students form POSCO HIGH SCHOOL. I really learn a lot from their way of living, way of studying as well as getting to know their culture more in depth.

-  Daegu senior convention centre.

Besides just knowing that Korea is preparing for ageing population, I have also seen what they have done to prepare for the worst situation.  Their high technology have really amazed me so deeply and left a deep impression on me that’s unforgettable. They really did so much so help the older generation to lead a better life, relying on themselves and not adding much burden on others.

3 things I have learnt about myself

- very fortunate to be a Singaporean

I am given so much opportunity and a safe environment with high security, knowing that Singaporeans are well protected.

-fortuanate to be given this chance to go on this experiential learning to korea.

- must always stay humble and be keen and open to learn new things so that I can consistently upgrade myself.

my life as a student.

-           Have to learn to appreciate things instead of taking it for granted. Such as: being able to study. Being able to live in a safe and green city.

-           Blessed to be able to study. Unlike poor children in Africa whereby living each day is also so hard for them.

-   Jolene Chua

Reflection :D

  My impression of Korea has changed after spending a week in Korea. When I was walking around the stores, I saw a lot of recycle bins there. This helps to sort out the different materials such as plastics, papers, etc. With this, it helps to save the earth by recycling items. I think the government has put in a lot of effort to make this possible.

  Both Singapore and Korea are facing ageing population, as such governments of Singapore and Korea are trying ways to solve the problem. Example, Senior Citizen Experience center was built in Korea to provide special needs for the elderly to improve their life. Government in Singapore made the nation to get involved in sports in order to have a healthy lifestyle. In terms of education, both Singapore and Korean governments have invested a lot of money to educate their students well in their country. Thus both Singaporeans and Koreans have to study very hard in order get into good schools.

  Korea experience the four different seasons like summer, spring, autumn and winter. However, Singapore only experience one season which is summer.

  After these few days in Korea, one of the most memorable experience I had was being able to interact with my Korean friend, Koh Joo Yeon. She is really friendly and willing to share with me their culture and her life in POSCO High School. She is someone whom I am comfortable to speak with thus; I enjoyed myself a lot when I was with her. Besides that, I think they have put up a great performance for us.   Another memorable experience would be the Daegu safety theme park; over there I have learnt some of the safety precautions when I faced with ‘earthquakes’ and ‘fire’. Through this, I have learnt that how I should react whenever I am faced with natural disaster. As such many lives can be saved. At Samsung D’light, I was really amazed by the advance in technology in Korea. As compared to Singapore, Korea technology is way better than Singapore.

  Through this Korea trip I have learnt to appreciate what I have right now. I should be grateful to have my love ones around me. Unlike some people in Korea who lost their loved ones in natural disasters. From now on, I will try to stop complaining the amount of work load given by our teachers and the long school hours. Look at the students in Korea; they have to study until 12pm almost every day and read up to 60 books a year! I should consider myself fortunate.

  All in all, I will always remember the times I had in South Korea and cherish the friendship formed. Thanks to everyone who have been to Korea, which had made this trip an enjoyable one! :D

TRICIA THAM :D

From the last few days in Korea, I have found out that Korean could not only speak their mother tongue language well, they could also speak English and Chinese well.  Pocheol high School is an example. When I went to this school for an exchange program, I realize that there were many students who could speak English well. They even had an English teacher who educates them.  My partner, Ian Ryu, told me that they had English lesson twice a week to improve their knowledge so that they would be able to communicate in other country. This is essential as English is a global language. I was impressed in how well my partner was able to speak English. Initially, I was afraid that I would speak too fast and but he managed to understand me. Another example would be an English village at Pagu. This was a place which welcomes the public. It offers unique in-country opportunities to interact with native speakers and engage in multicultural and hands-on activities that mimic real life foreign experiences geared to improving English fluency, as well as promoting cultural and global awareness for Koreans. Gyeonggi English Village’s mission is to improve the English fluency and global awareness of Koreans of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. It ensures that Korean knows English well. When I visited that place, I saw many young children who were able to communicate with their friends in English. I was astonished too. What was more astonished was when an adult spoke to me in Chinese. He was a Korean and yet he was able to speak Chinese All this proved me wrong because I always thought that Korean were only able to speak Korea language.

Two similarities between South Korea and Singapore are managing their education system and cleanliness. Both of them are very particular on their educational system and cleanliness. They put a lot of pressure on the youth so as to ensure that they do well in their education. In South Korea, students had 11 subjects on more to study. They even had to attend CCAs on weekends. Although Singapore has lesser subjects, there is quite a lot too. When I visit South Korea, I saw many schools visiting the different areas in Korea. They had many different learning trips. For cleanliness, both countries emphasise a lot on it. They have recycling bin and trees almost everywhere.  Singapore also implements policies and measures to keep the country clean.
However the difference between Korea and Singapore on how they respect others. In Korea, we are not allowed to lift up our bowls to eat and are not allowed to use both hands to hold our fork and spoon. We were also not allowed to blow out nose in public. It is considered rude. However, it is otherwise in Singapore. Another difference would be that Singapore is a multi ethic society while Korea only has one race. It would be hard for other country to accept this fact.

One of the most memorable trip I experienced the visit to POCHEOL HIGH SCHOOL. During this visit, I met a friend called Ian Ryu. I was impressed with his fluent English. We talked about the difference in weather and he was rather astonished of how warm Singapore was. We also shared with each other our school. He told me in high school, they had little chance to go out as they had a tight schedule to follow. Furthermore, they even had to attend school for CCAs during weekends! After hearing upon this, I really appreciate what I have in Singapore. I was really proud to share with him more about Singapore. However there was limited time. In a mere thirty minutes, we had to go elsewhere.  I was glad to be able to exchange emails with him and would love to keep in contact with him.
Another wonderful experience would be Daegu safety theme park.  I was astonished by their fabulous service and equipments that would give the elderly a better life. They even had a service to let us experience the pains and suffering of elderly. This had taught me to understand the elderly more and offer help whenever I can. I think we should have such a place in Singapore as Singapore is now suffering from aging population. There would be a lot of elderly in need of these services.
Yet another memorable trip would be the time where we visited the demilitarised Zone in Seoul. They shared with us their history and we had a view of North Korea.  I always only had the chance to see this view in the internet. Now I managed to see it real life. It was really an eye opener.

I am really lucky as a student to have the chance to explore other country with my friends and teachers. It was an amazing experience, I realise that I lied to explore a lot and love to see new things. Overall, I loved this trip.

toothpick made from starch!

Korea airport!

Korea recycling bin~!

Joey Yee(3e2)