- Posted on 4 Jul 2025
- 4-minute read
Insights from a South Korean placement
What can preservice teachers learn from visiting schools in other countries?
A team of 10 teacher education students and two academics from the School of International Studies and Education sought to address this question by visiting Seoul, South Korea for an eight-day observation-based international placement in June 2025.
This visit was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Australian Korean Foundation and UTS Global; it was further jointly coordinated by UTS’s closer international partner – The College of Education at Seoul National University (SNU).
School visits are an essential component of teacher education
This international placement enabled UTS preservice teachers to speak with practitioners and to observe expert teaching practice within a well-respected comprehensive high school (Beombak High School for Years 10–12), a highly prestigious university (SNU) and two dynamic SNU affiliated middle schools (SNU Middle School and SNU Girl’s Middle School for Years 7–9). The UTS delegation was warmly welcomed by the academics, principals, teachers and students; they engaged in thoughtful dialogue about teaching and learning and observed a range of classes, including physics, history, philosophy, Korean literature and English. They were blown away by the South Korean’s deep respect for learning and their high regard for the teaching profession.
The schools and the university were dynamic sites for pre-service teacher learning, teacher professional development and cutting-edge research. At SNU Middle School, UTS preservice teachers observed how interactive and game-based teaching practices could powerfully motivate boys’ learning. They conversed with the students and teachers on topics, such as the qualities that make a good teacher, and were even treated to a delicious Korean fusion lunch that included hamburgers to commemorate the start of the Korean War.
At Beombak High School, they observed teachers working hard to prepare students for the Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), which is the national standardised test used for university admissions. They also learnt about the typical life of a South Korean high school student and spoke with teachers about the challenges and rewards of their job.
UTS preservice teachers received unique insight into teacher education at SNU as they spent time with fellow teacher education students at the College of Education’s beautiful Gwanak campus. Both groups shared insights into the differences in their school systems and approaches to teacher education during a fun-filled day of delicious food and interactive workshops.
The value of an international placement additionally lies in learning more about the host country’s rich culture. The UTS group could bond over much anticipated visits to the majestic Gyeongbokgung Palace and Hanok Village, where they could immerse themselves in Korea’s cultural heritage. They also enjoyed the beautiful sites of Seoul from the high point of Namsan Tower.
Will UTS teacher education academics continue to seek international placement opportunities in the years to come?
The answer is a resounding yes! Exposure to different teaching styles and curricula helped them to gain insight into the rich cultural norms that shaped teaching and learning. Preservice teachers also increased their confidence and independence as they navigated Seoul’s complex subway system.
They formed connections with their hosts and developed lasting friendships with each other; they could further engage in reflective practice as they questioned their taken-for-granted norms about schooling.
UTS academics also strengthened their relationships with their SNU counterparts, setting up a strong basis for future collaborations. Overall, this practicum experience fostered personal growth, global awareness and professional development of its Australian and South Korean participants. We look forward to pursuing similar opportunities in the future!
Cross-cultural collaboration
UTS School of International Studies and Education’s South Korean placement supports the Australia-Korea Foundation’s aim to increase intercultural awareness and partnership between South Korea and Australia.
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