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Last Updated: Wednesday, 04 February 2026 08:24

Published: Wednesday, 04 February 2026 08:24

A high school touring party from Paju in the Republic of Korea has gained invaluable insights into the Australian way of life on their study tour to the Toowoomba Region.

The 16 students and accompanying teacher were welcomed to the Toowoomba Region at a recent formal reception at Toowoomba City Hall as part of their 22-day tour.

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald said the touring party was the 23rd student group from Toowoomba’s Sister City of Paju to visit the Region since 2003.

“Almost 420 students have visited the Toowoomba Region through the program, in addition to three online programs with 40 participating students,” Mayor McDonald said.

“The latest visit further highlights the Region’s role as an education centre and its importance to the economy. Education plays a pivotal role in the economic outcomes that are stipulated in the Sister City Agreement.

“The students are undertaking an Intensive English Language and Cultural Program, coordinated by the Australian Institute of International Understanding (AIIU). (This is the second consecutive year AIIU has coordinated the program).

“After their formal lessons, the students have the benefit of gaining conversational proficiency and experiencing Australian life, such as our geography, wildlife, food, Indigenous culture and regional attractions, with their host families in Toowoomba. The home stays allow for a rich exchange and a better understanding of each other’s culture and everyday lifestyles.

“The visiting students develop their language skills and cultural appreciation for Australia in everyday situations. The study tour also encourages long-term international connections, building on past visits, that also have the capacity to influence the students’ and hosts’ study, travel and career pathways.

“Apart from strengthening personal links between residents in both areas, the study tours contribute significantly to the Regional economy through accommodation, tourism, education and visitor spending.

“Council is pleased to highlight our Region as an attractive destination for future study and encourages students to consider educations opportunities that we offer.

“This latest visit reinforces Toowoomba’s commitment to international engagement, youth exchange and global understanding, while delivering lasting cultural and educational benefits to both communities, particularly as we look forward to the 25th anniversary of our Sister City Agreement in 2027.”

Students must complete a competitive selection process in Paju to be eligible for the program.

Away from the formal side of the tour, the students spent Australia Day with their host families, participating in local celebrations and experiencing aspects of Australian life, including a visit to Bestbrook Farmstay for a brief appreciation of rural living.

Toowoomba and Paju signed a Sister City Economic Agreement on October 1, 2002.

Paju history:
Paju Sister City Agreement
• Agreement is based on commercial, business and education opportunities
• Paju is one hour from South Korea’s capital city, Seoul
• Population: 588,000
• Area: 672 km²
• 20th anniversary of relationship in October 2022

Captions: Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald welcomes Paju students, from left, Yeong Woo Lee, Hae Dam Choi and No Ah Kim to Toowoomba City Hall. Below: Mayor McDonald addresses the Paju student party watched by Councillors, seated from left, Cr Carol Taylor, Cr Edwina Farquhar, Cr Trevor Manteufel, Deputy Mayor Cr Rebecca Vonhoff and interpreter Taisoo Kim Watson.