This project is the cumulative result of a Fulbright-Hays Short-Term Projects Abroad grant program awarded to William Paterson University of New Jersey, entitled “The US-NJ-South Korea Project: Exploring Korea's History, Culture and Education System through Experiential Learning” (October, 2013- March, 2015). This project has been a unique educational experience for 6 teacher candidates and 6 in-service teachers, who had the opportunity to explore Korean history, culture, language, and the educational system while visiting South Korea.

The project provided a variety of experiential learning opportunities, time for critical reflection during the study abroad program to South Korea, along with pre and post trip workshops that facilitated the development of the participants’ multicultural competencies for personal and professional growth as P-12 educators. Experiential Learning Theory defines learning as "the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. Knowledge results from the combination of grasping and transforming experience" (Kolb, 1984). This project also draws on Dewey’s (1933) notion of critical reflections, stressing that experience does not guarantee change or learning. Rather, it is the ability to be able to make meaning of experience.

The group visited five cities with historical sites (Seoul, Gongju, Gwangju, Busan, and Gyeongju) in South Korea to participate in various learning and enrichment activities. Participants also visited the Korean Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE), as well as the Korea Education Research Information Service (KERIS), to learn about the South Korean educational system and its educational technology initiatives. The group also visited schools in which digital textbook efforts are being implemented (Please click here to see the daily itinerary). Consequently, the participants had the opportunity to understand the richness and power of global education, and use that knowledge in designing meaningful, innovative curricula and opportunities for student engagement as global citizens, leading to enrichment in teaching about East Asia in US schools.

This website shares lesson plans pertaining to Korea designed by the participants, geared for students at the middle and / or high school level. As time goes by, this site will expand as a place where teachers can download a variety of free lesson plans pertaining to Korea.

Sincerely yours,
The Fulbright-Hays Participants