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네이버 공유 카카오 공유 트위터 공유 페이스북 공유

Sharing Experiences in Korea with her Students

Korea, the land of morning calm. But what does this mean? After returning from my two-week trip to Korea, sponsored by the Korea Foundation, I can tell you that it means much more than I ever anticipated.



My journey to the Republic of Korea began with an Internet search. I had hosted exchange students from China the past two summers and had been toying with the idea of teaching in Asia in the future. As I was looking for teaching opportunities, I came across the web page for the Korean Studies Workshop. My interest was piqued. Not only would I be able to explore an area of Asia that I had a personal interest in, but I would get to do it with 49 other teachers, and it would be paid for.
I thought about what I would write on my application for several weeks. Because it is a selection process, I was not sure I wanted to take the chance of being rejected, especially since I needed letters of recommendation from my administrators, and I thought it could be embarrassing. But the lure of the itinerary from the previous year was too strong. Every day on my morning walk I found my mind wandering to what it would be like to travel to Korea. I decided that if I did not apply my chance of being accepted would be zero percent, and if I wrote and submitted my application it would have to be better than that. I would have to put aside my fear and pride.
My interest in South Korea began over 20 years ago when I adopted my son from Seoul. My son Kyle attended Korean culture camp in the summers, and he and I took taekwondo together for a number of years, where we both obtained our black belts. We learned to cook a few Korean dishes that we gladly shared with family and friends. I had learned facts about Korea, such as the capital, population, size, and the national flower, but I did not truly know Korea.
As I waited for the acceptance or rejection letter to arrive I began to grow excited at the prospect of going to Korea, although the fear of rejection was also present. On April 9, I arrived home from school late from coaching and an exhausting day of teaching that had not gone as well as my teacher training said it would. I decided to check my email before taking a shower and turning in for the night. When I saw an email from KSW I debated opening it. I felt I was too tired to deal with rejection. I opened it anyway, figuring I would get it over with. It had been one of those days and this was to be a fitting end to it.
The email contained the best news. It was my dreams come true. I started jumping up and down, running around the house yelling, "I'm going to Korea!" My exhaustion evaporated and the big fight in the school hallway melted away. I felt like I was on top of the world.
The first thing I did upon learning of my acceptance was go to the public library and check out books on South Korea. I looked up everything on last year's itinerary in both text and on the Internet. My excitement grew with each new thing I saw. Imagine me at Buddhist temples, a former Confucian school, the DMZ, a mask dance, participating in a Korean drum lesson and archery class, visiting museums, and even going to a Korean baseball game.
My expectation of these two weeks was somewhat vague. I had decided that no matter what I was asked to do, how tired I was, what food was placed before me, I would take full advantage of every minute of the opportunity I had been given. I had anticipated that traveling in such a large group would be challenging. I also thought that the lectures at Yonsei University might be dull.
The program far exceeded all of my expectations and also surprised me in a few areas. I had expected the lectures to be a bit boring, but that was not at all the case. The professors were remarkable and their lectures were fascinating. The program provided us with a book of lecture notes to correspond with the lectures. The professors who spoke were extremely knowledgeable and approachable, always making time to field our many questions. The topics they presented became real when we were out on field trips, in restaurants, in the markets, or just out for a walk. Everything they spoke of made sense and became relevant.
My other surprise came with how much I enjoyed traveling in a large group. Very rarely do teachers from over 25 states, who all teach the same subject, get to come together to learn, play, explore, eat, and shop. My colleagues were interesting to talk with and fun. After two weeks, it was a funny feeling when we went our own ways at the airport. I could not help but feel a sense of loss and loneliness. I believe that some people I met will remain lifelong friends.



Not only was I able to learn about the culture of the Korean people through lectures, text, and field trips, but I was also able to experience the culture and interact with the people. The graduate students who worked with us in Seoul were truly amazing and very accessible and knowledgeable. They ate meals with us and sat with us on the buses, giving us more time to chat and ask questions. I learned a lot during our informal talks. Professor Kim, the program director, was like a proud father watching over us and the program. It was obvious that he had put a great deal of time and effort into providing us with this workshop and all of its components. It was important to him that we come away with a favorable view of Korea and he did everything in his power to see that this happened.
I am preparing to share my newfound knowledge and love for Korea with my school and community in the fall. At our school's open house I will give a PowerPoint presentation and pass around the artifacts that correspond with my presentation. I will also provide food samples from a local Korean restaurant and a demonstration by my former taekwondo school.
The Korean Studies Workshop, sponsored by the Korean Foundation, was an amazing experience. We were treated very well and our every need was anticipated and met. The program was extremely well organized and the personnel were outstanding. The itinerary was incredible. My only suggestion would be to make it a three-week program!
Korea will forever have a special place in my heart. The people are kind and giving. They stop to ask you if you need help in the subway. They offer a plastic bag to you when you get caught in a rain shower at the market. They buy you something in a shop because they like your smile. The school children yell out the English phrases they have learned and you look around to see what celebrity walked in with you, only to realize their excitement is for you.
If you are considering the Korean Studies Workshop for yourself, do not hesitate. You will have one of the most informative and enjoyable experiences of your lifetime.

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