Georgia Southern leaders in Continuing and Professional Education explore intersection of culture, industry and education in South Korea
In June, 快猫app短视鈥檚 Division of Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) Director Deedee Southerlin, Ed.D., and Associate Vice President for External Affairs at 快猫app短视 Kendria Lee took part in a two-week immersive program for educators in South Korea sponsored by Ajin USA and hosted by Korea Corner at Auburn University. Each year, participants experience a fully funded journey through South Korea鈥檚 vibrant cities and vast, bountiful farmlands.
鈥淭he majority of participants were educators throughout the Southeast,鈥� Southerlin said. 鈥淎s South Korean industries continue to find homes throughout the south, educators want to be prepared to welcome and accommodate students making the difficult transition to a new country and a new school system.鈥�
As one of the key organizers of CPE鈥檚 鈥淭ravel with Purpose鈥� program, Southerlin felt honored to be among the group of education innovators.
Having planned successful educational experiences throughout Europe, the introduction to South Korea felt like a meaningful step forward in her longstanding career.
鈥淢any of our neighbors, new and old, are already working for or with Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA). Educators have the unique opportunity to uplift and champion South Korean students. This program is a wonderful experience for teachers to see first-hand the interconnected communities students and their parents came from,鈥� explained Southerlin.
During the program, participants visited Seoul, Andong and Gyeongju. They also toured cultural landmarks, including the National Museum of Korea, Hahoe Folk Village, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bulguksa Temple, as well as industrial sites, including the Ajin Group and LG Energy Solution facilities.
鈥淪outh Korea鈥檚 ability to quickly and efficiently build a global economic and industrial force is astounding,鈥� Southerlin said. 鈥淲e were welcomed by communities and were very thankful to gain insight into cultural values, long-held traditions and the foundations of modern South Korean society.鈥�
Georgia Southern continues to be involved in collaborative efforts with local and global institutions of higher education, business and organizations. Moving forward, Southerlin hopes to gain support from local South Korean-based industries to continue to provide and maintain funding for these invaluable, critical educational experiences for professionals across the region.
鈥淛enny Lee and Dr. Daniel (Dongwoo) Yu, coordinator for Korea Corner in Auburn鈥檚 Office of Professional and Continuing Education, were wonderful organizers and hosts for the program,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was a transformative experience, and we hope to work with Auburn to secure funding to keep the program robust and thriving.鈥�