11.13NNU Hosts Korea Nazarene University Entourage
Dr. Hyeung-Il Kim and three students from Korea Nazarene University (KNU) visited the NNU campus November 1-8, hosted by the NNU School of Business. The students and Dr. Kim were part of an effort by KNU President Dr. Abraham Im to provide cultural and academic exposure to other Nazarene colleges and universities throughout the world.
The KNU entourage toured Boise visiting the Boise Towne Square Mall, the MK Nature Center, historical Train Depot, and the Snake river conservation area. They were also taken on a day trip to McCall where they went ice skating, took lots of pictures, and had a party at Red Robin on the return trip (see video). On campus they visited classes, attended chapels, TimeOut (student worship), and enjoyed Homecoming activities. Faculty, staff, and several SIFE students provided housing, hosting, and cultural connections.
While visiting classes, the KNU students observed student presentations, discussion, and interactions. They commented on the high level of student participation in classes. They also expressed appreciation for the kindness of the students and NNU community. Dr. Kim commented on the chapel services and warmness of spirit.
In January 2009, up to 20 KNU students will arrive on NNU’s campus as part of the KNU/NNU cross-cultural exchange to experience life on campus. They will be taking classes, visiting businesses, and experiencing American culture for most of the semester. NNU students will benefit from the exchange.
NNU student and SIFE President Lisa Bloomquist helped host the KNU students. “I had a lot of fun spending time with the Korean students this week. It was hard at times to communicate through the language barrier, but I feel like I learned their personalities in the short time they were here. They were very excited to experience everything that we have here, but they were also very interested in sharing things from their culture. I learned a little Korean, and also got to experience a Korean style breakfast of Kimchi soup, rice, and Korean beef after we went to an Asian market to get supplies. I have wondered about teaching English in Korea for a year after I graduate, and I now feel more confident about a possible future adventure in Korea.”