Program Objectives
The program objectives are to help teachers and administrators in Alabama:
- increase knowledge of Korean culture and Korean educational systems;
- promote appreciation of diversity and global education; and
- develop skills and knowledge to teach Korean culture and the value of diversity to students.
Activities
Educational experiences provided in the program includes pre-departure orientation sessions, lectures by Korean professors representing multiple areas of the school curriculum (e.g., school curriculum, discipline, afterschool activities), classroom observations, on-site participatory experiences in Korean cultural traditions, guided visits to historically significant sites, tours of governmental entities, as well as observations of Korean geography, holiday celebrations, memorials and classical readings. The academic program is structured to meet participants’ need for appropriate graduate credit and/or a Professional Learning Unit (PLU).
Participants
Participants are selected from the pool of applicants. Each selectee will receive significant financial support through a generous grant from Korean automotive supply companies. While the financial support will cover most travel, education and lodging expenses, group members will need to be able to provide a small portion of the expenses, including pre-departure preparation expenses (e.g., immunization and visa application), breakfasts, and any souvenirs or personal purchases. Once offers to participate are made to selected applicants, individuals who choose to accept the terms of participation will submit (1) an acceptance letter and (2) a personal non-refundable participation fee (to enable the advanced purchase of air tickets and secure hotel sites).
Evaluation
The effectiveness of the program will be measured through pre-post assessments, focus groups, final reflection, and individual interviews before, during and at the completion of the trip. All participants are required to participate in the program evaluation.