How has this experience helped you grow professionally?

Although we have recently returned to the U.S., we will continue to post thoughts and stories from #AgEd2Korea participants to reflect on the breadth, depth and diversity of our experiences in Korea.  This blog showcases some of the answers to the question, "How has this experience helped you grow professionally?"

"I believe this experience has helped me grow professionally in many ways. I think one of the biggest thing was the relationship that I developed with my fellow travelers. I have hugely enlarged my network of professional agriculture teachers that are specialists and I would feel comfortable contacting them for help or advice if needed." - Abby

Cassidy and her teaching partner at Suwon High School

"The chance to microteach was very beneficial.  Co-teaching, except during workshops, was something I had never done before. During the actual lesson, we ran into problems that might occur in any classroom-lack of time, cultural/language barriers. I think this experience was a good practice for later on. Since we had more people helping us, the support system was there as well." - Cassidy

"I feel like I am much more comfortable in meeting new people and most importantly, my ability to command the attention of a group. Through the few lessons I taught at Suwon and at Yeoju I have felt like I have improved greatly in my confidence level in teaching. If I can teach a class of Korean students who can’t understand much of what I am saying and they still learn, I think I will feel very confident teaching an English speaking class!" - Stacia

"As a professional educator I am walking away from this experience with an arsenal of ideas to implement directly into my agricultural education program as well as a greater sense of social responsibility to develop my students into global citizens through agricultural education. These professional growth takeaways would not have been acquired domestically." - David

Tyler interacts with peers from Seoul National University

"I think I have developed a great deal professionally by adding a large portion of global competency to my skills tool belt. Before this trip, I had little to no experience with other cultures. Now, if I were to work with someone professionally who is from a different culture I believe I would be able to have a much more positive experience. Not only do I believe this would apply to people of different cultures, it would also apply to people of different backgrounds or thought patterns, of which I may be unfamiliar." - Tyler

"This experience has changed me several ways. As a teacher, it has changed me by having me see that I need to be incorporating more global concepts into my lesson plans." - Jess

Janae, Kelli and Sarah taking a Korean quiz

"As a professional teacher, I have become more empathetic towards my English Language Learners. After going through the language course here, where I was the language learner, I had all those frustrations, struggles, let downs, and high points that my students experience as they are learning English." - Kelli

"I feel I am more prepared to teach after this experience. If I can teach a group of Korean students in a different language, I can teach a group of American students." - Rachel 

"As an agriscience teacher, traveling to another country and immersing myself into their culture and studying the agriculture education system has opened my eyes to the global agriculture world. I plan to use this knowledge to share with my students, alumni, community and other agriscience teachers. I know that my students will benefit from this experience as well because it has made me a better teacher." - Jason








 

A Day in Everland

The Disney Parks system has a few different theme parks around the world. We all know Disney World and Disneyland. And then there's the ones in Europe and Japan. I never knew there was one in Korea. So maybe it's not quite a Disney park...it is pretty close though.

Everland is a theme park just outside of Seoul that is very reminiscent of Disney World. There are five sections of the park: Global Fair, American Adventure, Magic Land, European Adventure, and Zoo-Topia. Also, the two main characters bear a striking resemblance to a pair of well-known mice.

One of the first rides we went on was called Global Village. The ride featured a boat ride through various cultural exhibits. These were dolls that recreated traditional aspects of each country. Most of the expected ones were there. But there were also a couple that were not: Space and the North Pole.

T Express

The park also boasts two rollercoasters. The first one we decided on was the T Express. From a distance, it didn't seem that bad. The drop did look somewhat steep though. While in line, we found out it is actually the world's steepest drop on a wooden coaster. It certainly felt like it. T Express is the most intense rollercoaster I've ever been on.

Zoo-topia was a unique section by itself. Our group first went on a safari where we saw lions, bears, tigers, and hyenas. At one point, tigers had even climbed on top of a vehicle and a bear walked alongside the bus. There were also sections featuring animals such as monkeys a

Tigers climbed on top of the vehicles

nd polar bears.

 

After dark, the park featured a light parade. Characters and floats covered in lights traveled along a route through European Adventure. Accompanying them were various songs including Christmas at Saraevjo and an Everland theme song. The characters also all resembled other known characters. For instance, Hercules, Alice (in Wonderland), and the Little Mermaid were all there.

The best part of the park was that there were very few lines. We waited a maximum of a half hour for the safari. It wasn't until later in the day until the park started getting crowded. The park itself was also fairly well taken care of. However, it's visible that it's not quite at its peak. They seem to be trying to improve it and make it an even better attraction. I'm sure if they continue updating the park, it will become a leading site in Korea. It was already a wonderful place to spend the day.

Modern History

Think about walking down the main street of your town. What do you see? A library? Post office? It's rare to imagine this ordinary scene...and then add a palace. Or a city gate. Yet here in Korea, that is exactly what you would find.

Part of the wall and east gate

Evidence of societies on the Korean Peninsula dates back to 8000 BC. What's even more awesome is some of this evidence can be seen all around the city. Seoul alone has five palaces and many more gates.

Today, while in Suwon, we visited Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and Hwaseong Haenggung. This site was built during the 1790s by King Jeongjo, a member of the Joseon Dynasty. Standing at 5.7 km long and 4-6 m high, the wall helped defend the city that lay behind it. On other sides of the city, were various buildings as well.

We began our adventure by taking part in an archery experience. It was interesting to see the way that using these is different from modern bows. However, it was also a lot harder to use them. All of us stood in a row while the tour guide explained the best way to shoot. Hardly anyone was able to make their arrow stick in the target.

A little later on, we went to another part of the palace. Here, we witnessed a martial arts performance. Various groups demonstrated how swords, spears, and hand to hand combat worked. Each of these were a little bit different than what I would have imagined. For instance, the spears are actually flexible.

The last part was a trolley ride around the city. This was a better way to see how much of these buildings are placed around the city. The wall and gates went through parts of the city where a lot of people were. It was awesome to see part of the old city mixed in with everyone from the modern parts.

Riding the Trolley

All of these sites, like the one in Suwon, are almost commonplace. While walking around the City Hall area, we passed three historical structures within an hour of each other. And the structures are seamlessly integrated into the rest of the city. You could pass by one on the way to work and take notice of it, yet it wouldn't really look out of place. The buildings all look like they belong where they are.

The best part though is that people get to see them all the time. Anyone walking around can just  admire their beauty while shopping in a certain section of the city. These national treasures are completely accessible for anyone. Because of that, I feel it is much easier to appreciate the culture. A foreigner can see bits of Korean history and learn about it. And Koreans are able to be more in touch with their own history. Sometimes repeated exposure to something can help a person grow to like it more. I hope this works the same way. Hopefully, some people ask questions about it and try to learn more.

Language Bridges

Most people are familiar with the term 'language barrier.' This refers to a breakdown of understanding between people due to a difference in languages. I have certainly experienced this so far on this experience. 

The other day when I tried to buy some clothes after my suitcase was lost, the saleslady tried so hard to help me. She knew I didn't understand things such as sizing and the way you go about paying.  I didn't know what she was saying, and she didn't know another way to say what she meant. We ended up resorting to lots of hand motions and drawings. And both of us used whatever words we knew from each others' language (not much from my end). Thank goodness, we were eventually able to overcome it to convey our meanings.

Our textbook and workbook

A nation's language can tell you a lot about its people-what they value, how they think. For instance, many words in Korean are very polite. There is even a verb ending that makes a request that is polite. Overall, this is also true with the people, as well. As you learn these intricacies, it become more apparent of the bearing language had on connections and cultures. 

By knowing a bit about the language and culture, you can better understand and connect with people individually. A language barrier can be a powerful force. It prevents understanding and can be very frustrating for both parties, But what's stronger than that is the willingness to try. 

My SNU teaching partner, Haejin, was asking me about what we learned in class one day. I told her I wasn't very good at speaking Korean yet. She replied that that is alright. It's not the lack of speaking ability that would cause problems. Instead, because I am trying, she was appreciative and excited. She explained that Korean people are happy just that we're trying. The effort is the important part.

Part of the reason we are visiting Korea is to learn about school-based agricultural education in another nation. However, another part is because of the relationships of this program. It would not be possible without the connections between faculty, students, etc at Penn State, University of

An awesome pencil I got from a quiz

Florida, and SNU. The continuation and strengthening of these bonds is even greater. By working with the Korean students we will be able to connect both with our partners and with the culture. Understanding of relationships between people and cultures is extremely relevant. And that's what makes all of these bridges important. 

I really love language school My least favorite thing about it is that it is only for five days. We will be able to reach hospitality level, but not much farther. It would take us months to be able to become anywhere near conversational. I would love to be able to be in this country and actually understand more of the language. That way I would be able to build my own bridges between the Korean culture and ours.

Making Progress: Cassidy

We’re on the downswing of the countdown to going to Korea! I’m super excited about the trip in general. However, the reality of it hasn’t quite hit me yet. It doesn’t seem as close as it is and the whole trip in general seems far away. We have been preparing in class for the trip, but also outside of class by ourselves.

The class session that was most helpful was when we had the opportunity to "speed date" with Penn State students from Korea. We had the opportunity to basically ask anything we wanted. Since our guest were actually from Korea, they could give us very helpful information.  They also gave us additional insight on topics I would not have even thought to ask. 

Our group during the Speed Dating Session

I have found the reading to be the best source of information about what to expect. They go over essential concepts about the culture and history that will be impacting us every day that we are there. Since it’s so in depth, I feel like I am definitely learning a lot. Because of this, that has been my favorite way to prepare outside of class.

A lot of people have also been asking me about what my plans are for the summer. Korea is always brought up in these conversations. I’ve found it interesting how many people I have come across that have been to Korea. Each time I have found out someone has been to Korea, I’ve asked them questions and for advice. This has proved really interesting since you end up learning things that you may not have any other way. Plus, it’s always fun to hear about all of the interesting experiences someone else has been having.

For my independent project, I have decided to read Korean books in order to gain a more thorough understanding of the culture. My first one is Please Look After Mom. I chose this one because it was written by a Korean author and then translated into English. This will be more of an authentic experience to hear about. I can learn about the social and cultural experiences the characters run into and use them to better understand what happens on the trip. Also, by reading books, you can pick out themes and concepts that are important to that culture.

           

Self Introduction: Cassidy, 2015 PSU Student Teacher

Hi everybody! I’m Cassidy and I am super excited for our upcoming adventure to South Korea this coming summer!

I wanted to go on this trip for a couple of reasons. One of those is because I think having global experience is extremely important. We live in a world where our nation depends on all of the others and vice-versa. This is especially important in agriculture. It’s one thing to just study and learn about other people and countries. It’s another to actually go and experience those cultures. You can learn so much more than you would ever think. There’s customs and unique aspects that you would never pick up from just reading about a country.

The other reason I want to go on this trip is because of the agriculture education aspect of it. I had not known that Korea had an agriculture program, let alone one as strong as theirs is, before hearing about this trip. It’ll be really interesting to see how their program works and the similarities and differences between theirs and ones in the US. Plus, everything we learn will be material I can bring back and eventually use in my own classroom. Maybe there will be other teaching methodologies that they use that I can use. Also, I can teach my kids about agriculture in other countries. Hopefully, I’ll be able to show them by example that learning about global agriculture is important. 

I think the way the trip is set up will be really interesting, in a good way. Since we have both current and pre-service teachers from different states, we'll be able to draw off of everyone's range of knowledge and experience. We will all be able to bring something different to the table and hopefully enrich each other's experiences.

A toucan I met in Costa Rica

A little bit about me… I am a junior in Agriculture Education and will be student teaching in Spring 2015. My minors are in International Agriculture and Agribusiness Management. At school, I'm involved with Teach Ag Society, Ag Student Council, NAMA, and Delta Theta Sigma. Currently, I live in a small town in Lancaster County, PA with my parents (I’m an only child). This will be my second time traveling out of the country. This past summer, I spent a month in Costa Rica (with Melanie!) learning about agriculture, Spanish, and the local culture. We stayed with a family in the same town the entire time, so it felt like we were actually living there. Everyone kind of just acted like we were from Costa Rica. It was rare that they treated us like foreigners. I’m curious how that dynamic will be in Korea, since we’ll be traveling and touring more.

Anyway, June needs to get here faster!