Lynn is based in Seoul, Korea and along with being an English tutor, she is on the board of Kiwi Alumni - an organisation supporting all graduates from New Zealand universities in Korea. Lynn is keen to meet and connect with fellow UC alumni!
Can you tell us a bit about what you studied at UC and what you are up to now?
I studied civil engineering and obtained a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons). After graduating I worked as a civil engineer for four years, and in 2022 I moved to Korea. I am currently working part-time for a digital archiving project, as well as tutoring English online. I am also focusing on my creative work in watercolour painting and digital illustration.
What memory stands out to you from your time at UC?
My group of classmates! We really supported each other through the years. Playing cello for MUSOC's musicals was a lot of fun. I went every week to the $4 vegetarian curry lunches by the Higher Taste Society - so delicious! Another highlight was my final year project on colonising Mars and mapping its resources, and going on exchange to Hong Kong.
What is your favourite thing about where you live?
In Seoul I live in a co-living community, and it's been an amazing experience to live with and learn from people with diverse backgrounds. Most of the opportunities to exhibit my art have come from having a large community of Korean and international creatives around me. I think a perk of being in a big city is that you can find many niche communities to belong to. Overall, the cultural and social life of Seoul is a highlight.
Is there any advice you would give fellow alumni who have moved to your area?
Join Kiwi Alumni! We organise many events, such as networking nights, social dinners, Matariki picnic at Han River, and an annual 'alumni night' at the Ambassador's residence. We also collaborate with the University of Auckland, Education New Zealand, Kiwi Chamber of Commerce, and ANZA (The Australia and New Zealand Association, Korea). There are plenty of Kiwis and Aussies living in Korea and many run businesses here. Plus, there are many other foreigner-friendly communities here, so you’ll be able to find your group.
