A trip of a lifetime was enjoyed by a team of eight students and two teachers from Camborne Science and International Academy who travelled to Busan in South Korea for a unique ten day adventure with the Korean Science Academy (KSA).

“Principal Chung of the KSA has been a friend of CSIA for many years, and this is the third time we have taken a group to this school,” said Paula Tippett, international and student voice coordinator at CSIA. “It was such a fantastic trip and we’re incredibly proud to be able to offer our students outstanding overseas visits like this one.”

The team at the Korean school arranged an itinerary which included a variety of lessons, cultural excursions, dormitory accommodation on campus and a home-stay weekend in the capital city of Seoul.

“The KSA buddies were very excited to meet their new British friends and helped to settle them into school and dormitory life,” said Paula. “The team experienced lessons across the sciences, maths and Korean language, there were also special lectures on Korean spirit and culture.”

The students enjoyed trying out traditional dress - Hanbok - a Korean movie and traditional percussion. “One lesson was led by KSA students who did a special presentation, and then taught us how to play different types of Korean instruments, it was very loud,” said Jack Byrne, in year 11.

Students enjoyed the plethora of temples, historical monuments and intricate architecture. “It was fascinating to see the differences in their culture and learn all about their history,” said Bailey Tellam, also in year 11. “Korea is mountainous and there are plenty of green spaces and cultural sites are much more spacious in their layout.”

Particular favourites amongst the students were the Gjeongju Temple, Gyeongbokgung Grand Palace, Nampadong and the markets of downtown Busan. “On the home-stay weekend in Seoul, our students experienced some wonderful things with their buddies and their parents including taking the high speed train at 300kph,” said Lyndsey Thomas, deputy head of science at CSIA. “Seoul is the city which never sleeps and our students loved the hustle and bustle, street markets and food vendors.”

Students enjoyed the South Korean mealtime custom of having many dishes, all at the same time. “We had lots of rice, noodles, meat and fish. Everything was very tasty although the Korean delicacy Kimchi was a bit spicy for most of us,” said Samuel Knight, in year 11.

“As ever, our students were a credit to CSIA and portrayed a very positive impression of the British, with our South Korean connections” said Paula.

“While the purpose of our extensive international program is to educate, the benefits of trips like this one extend much further,” said principal at CSIA, Ian Kenworthy. “They expand horizons, put into practice the skills our students have acquired, promote a global perspective, independence, self-sufficiency and is critical to a wholesome, global education.”