A leap of faith to university turned into a leap across continents for Calvin Din, as he embarked on a transformative educational journey through the Open Learning Environment (OLE) In-Country Experiences program which has inspired aspirations for a future on the global stage.
After Calvin Din finished high school, university was not exactly in his sights. Following a time of reflection during his gap year, he decided to take the leap into tertiary education at the University of Sydney as a MySydney scholar.
When Calvin commenced his undergraduate studies, he did not foresee that he would be learning Mandarin in Beijing and climbing the Great Wall of China within the same year.
While selecting subjects for his first year, he learnt about the OLE In-Country Experiences program run by the School of Languages and Cultures which offers short-term intensive overseas units that allow undergraduate students to learn a new language through cultural immersion.
“I have always loved travelling and knew that I wanted to weave it into my studies,” said Calvin. “I saw the OLE In-Country Experience units as an ideal opportunity to fulfil that vision.”
Embarking on the course to new horizons
In 2023, the School of Languages and Cultures received $462,000 in New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant funding to support students to undertake OLE In-Country Experience units in China, Korea and Japan from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2025. The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and aims to lift knowledge of the Indo-Pacific region, and foster peer-to-peer connections by supporting Australian undergraduates to undertake language training and study.
Supported by the New Colombo Plan scholarship, Calvin soon found himself on a cultural deep-dive and crash course in Mandarin with partner institution Peking University. He visited a range of Beijing’s landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace which deepened Calvin’s knowledge and understanding of Chinese history and culture.
Some of Calvin’s highlights include renting a bike and cycling to class for less than a dollar every morning, eating $2 street snacks and engaging with Beijing’s nightlife.
“The experiences in interacting with the Chinese heritage and people broadened my horizons and contributed to my personal growth as a globally interconnected citizen,” shared Calvin.
Being able to communicate and interact with a diversity of students in a multicultural setting is an essential skill. Through immersive language learning, I further strengthen my appreciation and desire to explore other cultures.
Calvin Din, MySydney scholar and Bachelor of Arts student (Asian Studies major)
Learning a new language overseas as a beginner
With no prior Chinese language education, immersive language learning allowed Calvin to rapidly gain new linguistic skills with the help of local Peking University students who served as ‘language buddies’.
“It was advantageous to use what we learnt in class in real-life settings with the assistance of our language buddies,” shared Calvin. “In one of our lessons, we were taught the vocabulary of fruits and drinks, how to order food, and were able to put our knowledge to the test when we visited shopping malls, mingled with the locals and dined at a restaurant.”
“Never in a million years did I imagine myself being offered the chance to visit China and learn Mandarin through deep cultural immersion,” said Calvin. “It was my first time – and it definitely won’t be my last.”
University of Sydney students meeting their Peking University language buddies for the first time.
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LinkLooking towards an international future
As Calvin develops his language and cultural studies, he envisions an exciting career – particularly, one in the international field where he can develop and sustain cross-cultural capacity to interact with people from all corners of the world.
“One of my aspirations in life is to work with the United Nations as a global leader,” shared Calvin. “I endeavour to use my newfound language skills and overseas experience to facilitate my understanding of diplomacy and overall personal growth.”
Now in his second year at university, he endeavours to learn more languages, study abroad and seek international opportunities, and testifies to the invaluable experience gained from his time in China.
“I believe it is crucial for students to develop cultural competency, especially in our interconnected world –whether it is through the art of immersive language learning or other exciting avenues,” reflected Calvin. “I am really grateful for the University of Sydney gave me the opportunity to learn a language firsthand in its native environment, and I urge any student who is thinking about doing an OLE In-Country Experience unit, to do the same.”
Worth 6 credit points, the OLE In-Country Experience units are open to undergraduate students with little to no experience in the language to gain new language skills through cultural immersion with our partner institutions around the world.
Banner image: Calvin Din at the Great Wall of China.