Music immersion program across the Pacific: Hong Kong students in Vancouver

This paper reports the impact of a two-week music immersion program conducted in Vancouver on a group of undergraduate music students from Hong Kong. The program included school visits, workshops/seminars, cultural activities and exchanges of performances. The study was based on the reflective journals written by the immersion program participants, who critically reflected on their experiences. The reflections revealed six aspects which have impacted the participants: broadening their perspective in a different music education system; discovering various teaching approaches and deepening understanding of music teaching; learning new topics on music not commonly available in the home city; experiencing a foreign school music culture and social life style; enjoying participation in performances and exchange experiences; and strengthening social communication skills and learning to adapt to teamwork environment. The findings show that the participants were able to acquire understanding of a different education system, gain insights in teaching and learning approaches, as well as obtain new knowledge and techniques not commonly experienced in their home city. Furthermore, the immersion program provided a valuable cultural exchange opportunity, as well as strengthened the communication skills and teamwork spirit of the participants. Copyright © 2006 Australian Society for Music Education.