Living the Blog Life

Hello!

My name is Michael Petrun, a junior in Ag Ed. I am a little different from most of the other travelers in our group, mostly basing my studies in the Environmental Sciences option of Agriculture Education. I love the outdoors. On this trip I want to see the whole natural world of Korea.

Understanding how the Korean people view the environment around them, and reading the different landscapes are just a couple areas I want to really dive into on the trip.

I plan on taking in all of the Agriculture and Educational aspects of Korea, like our scheduled intinerary says, but I plan on making some other observations while overseas. I want to really get in depth with the differences in the people I meet everyday. I want to soak up the culture, but I truly want to IMMERSE myself in their culture. I want to see what happens after students get out of school, what they think of different types of music, foods, and being the same age we are, but in a different country. Some of the best moments of learning and knowledge I hope to gain will be just being with the Korean people at a common place, or hanging out with the SNU students at a local restaurant I would otherwise never consider eating at. 

I want the South Korea experience.

 I know I will take away a greater knowledge of global literacy to help make better decisions when I return. Whether it be on my next meal or how I teach my students in the classroom, it will be a life changing experience.

Hopefully, I can provide some informative, but entertaining posts to keep everyone following this wonderful experience.  

Headed down South to the land of the...FFK!

Hi All!

Wow! I cannot believe that it is already May 31 and we leave for Seoul, South Korea in just 4 short hours. I guess I should start packing! (just kidding!) Where has the time gone? It feels like just yesterday when we were interviewing to participate in this once in a lifetime adventure.

In one semester, I have learned more from each presenter that came in to speak to us about a different aspect of Korea than I ever knew before.  The personal stories and real-life scenarios that each panelist brought was unforgettable and extremely helpful. I now know how to conduct myself in Korea, as well as have a background of the rich culture and traditions that they practice today.

I am very excited to learn about the FFK. The FFA has changed my life and has instilled in me a lifelong love of agriculture, agriculture education, and the fine art of keeping a record book (haha). Understanding how this organization impacts other students across the world will be interesting. 

Environmental impacts are also an increasingly pressing problem all across the world. As an environmentalist, I am most eager to learn more about the environmental implications that are present in Korea, comparing them to the American environmental impacts, and learning new ways to preserve the world around us. Korea has beautiful landscapes and mountains, so there will be much to do and learn about the natural world. Learning by doing, instilling the passion. That is the key to the future!

Embarking on this trip with 20 friends makes this experience even better. I am truly blessed to have this opportunity to travel and learn something about a new place.

Here's to the opportunity of a lifetime!