Columbus State University (CSU) recently concluded a two-week study abroad trip to South Korea, marking a significant educational experience for students and faculty involved. The trip, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, aimed to deepen understanding of Korean history, culture, and its complex relationship with the United States.
Dr. David Kieran, the Col. Richard Hallock Military History chair at CSU, emphasized the historical significance of the Korean War, often dubbed as the “forgotten war,” situated between World War II and Vietnam. Throughout the past school year, Dr. Kieran and colleagues, including retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Pat Donahoe and CSU’s Daewoo Lee, organized panel discussions and curated curriculum focusing on U.S.-Korea relations.
Students expressed profound reflections on their experiences in Korea, noting emotional impacts from visiting war memorials and historical sites. Sophomore Daphne Bryant described the trip as emotionally impactful, highlighting the respect and commemoration observed in Korea for the war.
Senior Danielle Blake noted the enduring impact of the Korean War on both nations, observing the pervasive presence of museums and memorials dedicated to its history. For senior Zachary Brundidge, the trip underscored the transformation of South Korea into a global economic powerhouse since the war, reflecting on the evolving U.S.-Korea relationship.
Senior Sonya Mahon focused on the economic aspects, discussing the integration of Korean businesses like Kia in the U.S., particularly in Georgia where CSU is located. She expressed optimism about potential future opportunities for herself and her community in these industries.
Looking ahead, CSU officials aim to continue offering courses and speaker series focused on Korea, potentially making them bi-annual offerings. This initiative reflects CSU’s commitment to fostering global perspectives and deepening academic engagement in international studies.
Overall, the study abroad trip to South Korea not only enriched students’ understanding of history and culture but also instilled a renewed appreciation for the enduring U.S.-Korea relationship and its multifaceted impacts globally.
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