We have some exciting news, our Language Immersion destinations are growing to ASIA. One of our newest additions is KOREA. After receiving many enquiries for Korean language programs we decided to take a deeper look into why is the Korean language trending in 2024.  Not only Korean, Japanese and Mandarin.  

The rise of Korean culture and trends across industries is undeniable from K-Pop to K-Beauty to K-Drama, the world is going K-crazy! There is certainly a Korean Wave (Hallyu) happening and we are all here for it!   An article written by SBS KOREA, explains.. 

Experts attribute the surge in Korean language learners worldwide to the growing interest in Korean popular culture, commonly known as the Hallyu, or 'Korean wave'. 
 
Even Jung at Campsie Public School says Korean popular culture has become a motivating factor for students' learning." When we do music integrated with Korean ... I can see their engagement grow higher and they (the students) seem to know a lot of K-pop stars that I don't even know," she says. 

So what is K-Pop?  

K-pop is typically used to describe “idol music” made by artists trained by entertainment companies to become pop music stars. K-pop includes upbeat pop, dance music, and ballads. It can incorporate a variety of influences, including reggae, hip-hop, salsa, and other types of music. The biggest trending K-pop band at the moment is - BTS  Bulletproof Boy Scouts 

BTS stands for the Korean phrase Bangtan Sonyeondan, which translates literally to 'Bulletproof Boy Scouts'. According to member J-Hope, the name signifies the group's desire "to block out stereotypes, criticisms, and expectations that aim at adolescents like bullets". 

More and more students across the country are taking up Korean as a language, as well as more Schools widening their language subject selection. Which is K-Pop music to our ears... 

The Australian Department of Education released a program called Foreign Language Education. We now see more the 10,000 students learning Korean across 67 secondary and primary Schools. As well as the School of Languages courses available to students by online correspondence or weekend classes.  

Support Centers such as The Korean Education Center offer plenty of assistance right across the industry. Such as: 

• Financial support to Schools offering Korean Language, Based on a survey of Australian schools offering Korean courses conducted every September-October, the Centre offers funding assistance for schools to purchase Korean teaching material and to hold Korean Day events.  

• Korean Teacher Associations. The Centre holds regular meetings with associations of Korean teachers in Australian schools to discuss ways to further develop and extend Korean education in primary and secondary schools 

• Supporting the development of Korean teaching and learning material. In order to constantly improve Korean education and align it with new changes in the Australian curriculum, the Centre financially supports the development of Korean teaching and learning material 

 
Our Language Immersion Programs are tailored for students who are deeply passionate about improving their language skills through full cultural and linguistic immersion. By engaging in intensive language study while living with a host family, participants can expect a highly effective and enriching experience that significantly boosts their language proficiency. 

We are thrilled to expand our program destinations worldwide! Join us as one of the first students or groups to travel to Korea and experience the Korean Wave (Hallyu) firsthand. 

Start spreading the news – Exchange Me has welcomed back another successful group from their New York Arts tour! The concrete jungle where dreams are made has so much to offer for both creative and performing arts. Our latest tour was arranged for Drama, Dance, Music and Visual Arts students. It was jam-packed with workshops lead by industry professionals, Broadway performances and loads of touring and sightseeing. The package included flights, accommodation, a tour manager every day, city passes and unforgettable experiences.  

There are great benefits to travelling for anyone studying either performing or creative arts or both! Not only do the new surroundings spark new inspiration for current projects but leave lasting impressions on young artists for future work.  

Reader Question:
Plato’s “Art imitates the objects and events of ordinary life” vs “Life imitates art far more than art imitates life” - Oscar Wilde
Which do you consider the most relevant? 

Art and life inarguably intertwine, as shown throughout history. Travelling anywhere as interesting and complex as New York City, allows the opportunity of exposure to different art forms, styles, trends, methods, societies, events and understandings of cultural and human histories. Enriching your knowledge of movements and art history while enhancing your skills through one-of-a-kind experiences that provide an intimate understanding of procedures and works from beyond the viewing seat.  

These programs also provide opportunities for young individuals to build connections and collaborate with industry experts through workshops and provide insight into people and networking in the industry. 

Our most recent group paired tickets to Chicago on Broadway and an exclusive post-show cast Q&A session with a Broadway Song & Dance Workshop. As well as tickets to the Broadway production of The Great Gatsby with a Broadway Behind the Curtain Workshop. This allowed the students to experience many of the moving parts within the performing arts and live stage production industry. Not to mention, fantastic dance and movement workshops with top academies and visual and cultural experiences all over NYC with qualified professionals. 

Travelling on an organised tour as mentioned above takes the hassle and stress out of trying to build an educational program from scratch and allows ALL group members to completely embrace the experience.  

Explore your creativity with us in the city that never sleeps!