Email: michellepardini@yahoo.com
Phone: (852) 6491-9803
Nei ho! Greetings from Hong Kong! My name is Michelle Pardini, and I am serving as Resident Coordinator for the AsiaLearn program in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong and I go back a long way. My family moved here from California when I was two, and I’ve been here most of my life. I went back to the US for university, and then spent two years teaching English in China before returning home to Hong Kong. I am currently teaching at an international school here.
Though I've spent close to 20 years in Hong Kong, there have been no dull moments! There is always something new to try in this exciting city. Just this past year, I joined a choir, played in an ultimate frisbee league, hiked 50 km for charity, and started swing dancing! Hong Kong provides all of the comforts and conveniences of a world-class city, but also affords the opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, learn about a different culture, or attempt something that you never thought you could do! It's also a great base from which to travel anywhere in Asia!
As AsiaLearn's resident coordinator in Hong Kong, I am here to help your transition to life in this fast-paced city go a little more smoothly. I will meet with you periodically throughout the semester, and will also be on call to answer questions that come up and to give you ideas of activities that you can be involved in. You’re going to love Hong Kong!
Michael Chang, Resident Coordinator - Japan
Email: ekimchang@gmail.com
Phone: +81 (0) 90-9652-8260
Konnichiwa! Greetings from Japan!
My name is Michael Chang and I'm the AsiaLearn Japan Resident Coordinator. Currently, I am pursuing my Ph.D. in Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan. Before that, I studied at the University at Buffalo and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
With regards to work experiences, I served in the Singapore Armed Forces as an artillery sergeant and worked in Hewitt Associates, an American HR corporation as a project coordinator.
I speak English, Chinese, Cantonese, and Japanese. Actually, I am still picking up Japanese now. So please practice these languages with me!
Other than working on my dissertation, I have managed to travel around to most parts of Japan with the exception of Hokkaido. Transportation is pretty expensive in Japan, so I've made use of various cheaper alternatives such as taking a never-ending series of connecting local trains. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone because it's really tiring unless you have a very tight budget. Besides traveling, I took part in many volunteer activities such as children summer camps, and playing sports with the local senior citizens.
My job as a Resident Coordinator is to help you to make the most out of your experience in Japan. I will be available any day for you to answer any queries you might have.
See you in Japan!
Sung-Jo Park, Resident Coordinator in Korea
Email: winoblue@hotmail.com
Phone: +82 10 7101 8454
Hello from Seoul Korea! My name is “Brian” Sung-Jo Park and I am the Resident Coordinator in Korea for AsiaLearn. I am a Korean citizen, but have lived abroad for over two years, so I know what challenges and concerns you will have as an international student.
To let you know a bit about my background, I graduated from Dong-A University in Busan, in the South of Korea, and took Business and Marketing classes, as well as English language courses in Vancouver, BC, Canada. I am currently working in the film marketing sector in Seoul. I specialize in program development for international film festivals and events.
Korea is a country in transition. You will find the most modern and high-tech facilities in some areas, and then a few blocks away, you will think you are back in old-Asia in the 1950’s. This combination of old and new, progress and tradition makes an experience in Korea, at this time in history, unique, and fascinating.
It will be my pleasure to welcome you to Seoul and to be able to introduce you to the history, culture, cuisine and other aspects of life in Korea. Whatever your reason for deciding to choose Korea as a study abroad location, I know you will find your time here interesting, challenging and ultimately rewarding.
I will also be available throughout your visit, to meet with you and do whatever I can to ensure you make the most of your time while in Korea. I look forward to assisting you in having an experience of a lifetime.
Aaron Clark, Resident Coordinator - Thailand
Email: acinasia@gmail.com
Phone: +66 (0) 822053813
My educational background is in Asian Studies. I completed my Bachelor of Arts at the University of Hawaii, Manoa with emphasis on the history of mainland Southeast Asia. My undergraduate work focused primarily on Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia and required extended year and a half study abroad at Mahidol University International College (MUIC) to access courses in Southeast Asian art, culture and history, not traditionally offered stateside. My personal experiences as a student abroad offers me insight into the problems faced by students abroad.
Professionally, I have worked in an international relations capacity both as liaison for the State Departments International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) supporting visitors from the Kingdom of Thailand in Hawaii, and as a member of the United States Armed forces during annual cooperative training in Thailand.
I have over 7 years experience living, working, studying, and traveling within Thailand and around the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Currently, I am undertaking graduate research on sustainable tourism and poverty alleviation through tourism development. My principal focus is on how responsible tourism development (i.e., study abroad) can improve the livelihoods of poor while mitigating social and environmental effects of development on host communities.
In my free time I enjoy traveling (by land), increasing my awareness, and understanding of Southeast Asia peoples and their cultures.
I really look forward to utilizing my knowledge, experience, networks and language ability in support of Asialearn students here in Thailand.
Hope to see you soon, in the “land of smiles”.
Sichuan University, Resident Coordinator - China
AsiaLearn works collaboratively with Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) on the Sichuan University Study Abroad Program, including in-country support services. The on-site support person is appointed each semester by Pacific Lutheran University and you will meet this individual shortly after arrival and receive their local contact information. In addition to having access to the resources and support services of Sichuan University, you will also have access to the on-site support staff in the event of an emergency or if you need someone to talk to about a situation, throughout the semester. PLU has a long standing relationship with Sichuan University and their on-site support person will be a great resource during your time at Sichuan University.
For questions related to academics, university policy and housing you may visit or contact the Sichuan University International Office at +86-28-85403116.