From representing Australia at an international summit to conducting global market research into nanotechnology, it has been a whirlwind year for USC Fraser Coast student Myles Kreis.

The Business student from Hervey Bay is studying and completing an internship in South Korea after been selected as one of Australia’s top scholars and gaining a prestigious $65,000 scholarship though the Federal Government's New Colombo Plan program.

“When I left for South Korea earlier this year, I was determined to take every opportunity to advance my knowledge, skills, career and global experience,” Myles said.

The 25-year-old, who grew up on his family beef property at Gayndah, west of Maryborough said representing Australia recently at the 2018 Forum of East Asia-Latin America Cooperation Youth Summit in Seoul was a highlight.

“This historic event was the first-ever youth summit by the organisation and the only forum of its kind connecting East Asia with Latin America to promote deeper understanding, political and economic dialogue and cooperation,” Myles said.

“This was truly a valuable experience to learn about different fields of cooperation, understand emerging and current issues which impact the regions and network with some of the best young leaders representing East Asia and Latin America.

“It also reaffirmed my passion for learning about different cultures and my desire to pursue an international career when I complete my university studies.”

Now in his second semester at Seoul’s Konkuk University, Myles is studying international strategic management, international marketing and current world economic issues.

“These courses are valuable as I am learning about global business and attending guest lectures delivered by CEOs of start-up companies and international firms,” he said.
An internship with a nanotechnology start-up company is providing an opportunity to immerse himself in the business world of South Korea, Asia’s fourth largest economy and one of the world’s top exporting nations.

“As part of the internship I conduct market research for a range of new nanotechnology products planned for the international market,” he said.

Myles also volunteers at the University, helping new international exchange students transition into their study program. In his spare time, he teaches English to Korean students.

Instead of taking a break between semesters, he completed two-months of intensive language training at the Seoul Korean Language Academy.

“This was probably one of the most valuable experiences of the program so far,” he said.

“I can now connect with the local people in a way that I could not before. I would encourage anyone who is interested in languages and working overseas to study a new language.”

When he returns to Australia at the start of next year, Myles will promote the transformational opportunities of international study and the New Colombo Plan program to students at USC and regional high schools.

It will be familiar territory for Myles who worked as a student ambassador promoting university education to high school students and leading USC student groups at the Fraser Coast campus.

— Clare McKay