Students immersed in foreign cultures during International Education Week

As one faculty member who educates students about South Korean culture, Dr. Jiyoung Daniel feels compelled to act as an ambassador for South Korea.

"Since I am the only full-time professor in the Korean Program, it is my pleasure and duty to share the Korean culture on campus," said the associate professor of Korean in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at the University of North Georgia (UNG).

Daniel plans to show a small morsel of her home country's culture during the International Education Week, which runs Nov. 18-21 on UNG's Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses.

Sponsored by the Center for Global Engagement, the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week is an opportunity for academic departments and student groups to provide an array of cultural events that promote global learning, said Sheila Schulte, associate vice president of international programs. A couple of the highlights include a lecture from UNG history professor Dr. Victoria Hightower and the inaugural Passport Caravan.

"We are very excited that Dr. Hightower will give a lecture on the UAE's (United Arab Emirates) and Qatar's National Visions and Heritage Projects," Schulte said. "And we are excited the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) is hosting their Passport Caravan. We have been working all fall to select students for free passports, and we are grateful to CIEE for sponsoring this event where we will give away 175 passports."

Other International Education Week events have become tradition such as the "Taste of Korean Coffee," which Daniel hosts. She said the event provides her an innovative way to teach about her culture outside of the classroom and create bonds among her students.

"When I host the event, a lot of students in my upper level classes participate," she said. "They foster friendships among classmates. And while my job is to speak about the Korean language and culture, my goal is to make my students globally competitive."

UNG senior Udis Calderon studied abroad during summer 2019 to immerse himself in a different culture. The 22-year-old from Gainesville, Georgia, selected China because he believes it will help him in his future profession in higher education.

"China has the highest international student rate in the U.S., and I can serve those students better with my experience," said Calderon, whose goal is to work in a student affairs department one day.

Katherine "Kat" Torres enjoyed her study abroad experience so much, she is planning another. She has applied for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which funded Calderon's trip to China. The junior pursuing a degree in political science with a concentration in pre-law advises other students to do the same.

"Do not be afraid of the price tag," the native of Hoschton, Georgia, said. "UNG has a lot of funding opportunities. Go talk to a study abroad adviser. They are there to help and advise you."

For more information about study abroad opportunities and International Education Week, visit the Center for Global Engagement website.