In June, Georgia Southern University’s Division of Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) Director Deedee Southerlin, Ed.D., and Associate Vice President for External Affairs at Georgia Southern University Kendria Lee took part in a two-week immersive program for educators in South Korea sponsored by Ajin Georgia and hosted by Korea Corner at Auburn University. Each year, participants experience a fully funded journey through South Korea’s vibrant cities and vast, bountiful farmlands.
“The majority of participants were educators throughout the Southeast,” Southerlin said. “As 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.”
As one of the key organizers of CPE’s “Travel with Purpose” 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.
“Many 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,” 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.
“South Korea’s ability to quickly and efficiently build a global economic and industrial force is astounding,” Southerlin said. “We 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.”
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.
“Jenny Lee and Dr. Daniel (Dongwoo) Yu, coordinator for Korea Corner in Auburn’s Office of Professional and Continuing Education, were wonderful organizers and hosts for the program,” she said. “It was a transformative experience, and we hope to work with Auburn to secure funding to keep the program robust and thriving.”