Meet Emily, a dedicated international Korean language teacher from Korea. She is enriching her American classroom in Hawaii with culture, compassion, and a passion for fostering global understanding. Through her teaching, Emily has touched the lives of her students in ways that extend beyond traditional learning, helping them experience a bit of Korea while discovering the power of connection and community.
Emily’s journey to teaching abroad began with her admiration for the educational opportunities in the United States. Driven by a desire to learn and grow within a diverse, dynamic setting, she saw her move to America as a unique chance to contribute to education on a global scale. Teaching in the U.S. has broadened her teaching style, guiding her to adopt a more student-centered approach. Emily now focuses on creating a vibrant classroom atmosphere where students are encouraged to actively participate and explore their own identities.
One memorable teaching experience that Emily holds close involved a project to support victims of the Maui wildfires. Her students came together to create Korean-inspired postcards, write poems, and sell Korean treats to raise funds, which were donated to a church community in Maui. Emily’s students learned that Korean isn’t just about acquiring a language, but also about forging connections and making a difference in the community. It was a profoundly inspiring moment for both Emily and her students.
One memorable teaching experience that Emily holds close involved a project to support victims of the Maui wildfires. Her students came together to create Korean-inspired postcards, write poems, and sell Korean treats to raise funds, which were donated to a church community in Maui. Emily’s students learned that Korean isn’t just about acquiring a language, but also about forging connections and making a difference in the community. It was a profoundly inspiring moment for both Emily and her students.
Emily also brings a taste of Korea into her lessons through K-pop, Korean dramas, and Korean cuisine, making language learning a journey into Korean culture. Her students respond with enthusiasm, eagerly connecting with aspects of Korea they already love, which makes learning feel meaningful and fun.
She fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among students by maximizing opportunities for exchange with middle and high school students in Korea. Both classrooms in the U.S. and Korea share a website where all the students can post videos expressing their thoughts, and both teachers encourage ongoing dialogue through questions and answers. Emiy believes this approach allows students to engage with a living culture, providing them with a more authentic and meaningful cross-cultural experience.
She fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among students by maximizing opportunities for exchange with middle and high school students in Korea. Both classrooms in the U.S. and Korea share a website where all the students can post videos expressing their thoughts, and both teachers encourage ongoing dialogue through questions and answers. Emiy believes this approach allows students to engage with a living culture, providing them with a more authentic and meaningful cross-cultural experience.
Emily is so proud of her students! Over the past two years, her students have successfully compiled everything they’ve learned into a comprehensive portfolio on a single website which documents all their efforts, learning, and growth, serving as a testament to their hard work and development. She values the strong educational commitment shared by parents in both Korea and the U.S. Emily is grateful for the understanding and friendships she’s developed and is constantly inspired by the active roles parents play in their children’s education, no matter the country.
Beyond her classroom, Emily finds community in a weekly book discussion group with her church. She absolutely loves a bowl of Hawaiian poke here in the U.S., and finds time to start every day with regular workouts at the school gym.
Reflecting on her experience, Emily has found teaching in the U.S. to be transformative. Living and working in a new cultural environment has pushed her to grow, encouraging patience, resilience, and adaptability. She looks forward to sharing the value of diversity and self-identity with her students in back home in Korea, helping them see that success has many paths and that their unique perspectives matter. Hawaii is lucky to have her!
Beyond her classroom, Emily finds community in a weekly book discussion group with her church. She absolutely loves a bowl of Hawaiian poke here in the U.S., and finds time to start every day with regular workouts at the school gym.
Reflecting on her experience, Emily has found teaching in the U.S. to be transformative. Living and working in a new cultural environment has pushed her to grow, encouraging patience, resilience, and adaptability. She looks forward to sharing the value of diversity and self-identity with her students in back home in Korea, helping them see that success has many paths and that their unique perspectives matter. Hawaii is lucky to have her!
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