Hornets find language exchange intense

Courtesy of Ken Morrison.

Above are students and faculty that traveled to South Korea to take advantage of the study abroad opportunity. Top row left to right: Jonathan Leach, Ken Morrison, Matt Breuser. Bottom row: Aubrey McCord, Miss Ko (instructor at Sunlin College), Sarah Christie, Jeff Ensley.

Six Emporia State students traveled to South Korea this summer to assist Korean students in a series of English language classes.

“We have a partnership with Sunlin College in Pohang,” said Scott Waters, elementary education professor and faculty sponsor of the trip. “It was an opportunity to expose students to another culture (and) assist in teaching English as a second language.”

Waters began the process of organizing the trip long before the summer departure date. He first connected with the faculty of the Sunlin College. Once arrangements had been made, Waters began the process of recruiting students for the study abroad experience.

To be considered for the trip, students applied through the Office of International Affairs, the Provost Office and the Financial Aid Office. The selection process included the overview of faculty references as well as personal interviews with Waters.

Six students were selected to attend the program alongside Waters and his wife, Kathy. Each student had their own reason for choosing to study and teach in South Korea.

“I've met many Korean students since my first day at ESU last year,” said Ken Morrison, instructional design and technology graduate student. “I think that most of them do such a great job representing their country and culture that I slowly became very interested in learning more about South Korea.”

When they arrived in South Korea, ESU students were met by a vast, beautiful landscape – the country is nearly 80 percent mountainous and partially surrounded by ocean. ESU students and faculty were pleased to discover many of the same comforts they experience at home.

“South Korea is a thoroughly developed country with most of the conveniences and products we have here,” Waters said.

The students’ primary purpose while in South Korea was to work with a group of students at Sunlin College. The Korean students attending the college were involved in an intensive English language class known simply as English Camp. Each ESU student was paired with a group of six camp participants to assist with English homework.

In addition to working with small student groups, ESU travelers were asked to prepare a one hour lesson, which they taught to the Korean students every third day of class. Lessons included topics such as U.S. holidays and commonly misspelled English words. Working with the students of South Korea was the most valuable experience of the trip for many study abroad participants.

“The students are energetic and extremely respectful of their studies and their teachers,” Morrison said. “They also know how to have fun.”

ESU students were also given the opportunity to study the Korean language. Sunlin College provided students with Korean language and culture for three hours each morning.

Outside their studies, students were able to explore the city of Pohang and take part in a number of fun activities. They also rented out a karaoke room for both the Korean and American students, which allowed them to bond and discover more about the customs of the different countries.

Besides karaoke, students were also able to learn more about the South Korean landscape through river rafting and cliff jumping.

Study abroad experiences are different for each student. For people like ESU graduate Jeff Ensley, study abroad is not only a trip, but a basis for life decision-making.

“I have moved back to Korea to work here full-time,” Ensley said in an email interview. “I have lived in China and Japan before, so Korea was a natural choice.”

Plans are underway for a second English Camp at Sunlin College this January, as well as a third camp for the summer of 2009. Student selection will be carried out in the same fashion as it was for this summer’s English Camp and students are encouraged to apply.

“Americans can travel pretty easily compared to other countries’ citizens, but fail to do so,” Ensley said. “In today's global world, it would really make a big difference in the depth and breadth of their education.”