OXFORD, Miss. — Ten University of Mississippi sophomores
have been selected to change places with Korean university
students this summer in a program sponsored by UM’s Trent
Lott Leadership Institute and Study Abroad Office.
The program pairs UM students with Konkuk University
students for a month of experiences in Mississippi,
Washington, D.C., and Seoul, South Korea. The students are
given the opportunity to learn together and from each other
on topics ranging from international diplomacy to pop
culture.
“Because of its phenomenal economic development, South
Korea has a large role in global economics and diplomacy,”
said Blair McElroy, study abroad adviser. “And thanks to
the Web, others are learning about Korean pop culture, such
as the Korean Wave movies and Korean music. The Lott
Leadership exchange program is a dynamic and fulfilling
opportunity to explore South Korean culture and business
with a diverse group of peers.
The selective program is open to rising sophomores of any
major who display academic excellence and community
leadership skills. Participants are Scarlett Andrews, a
public policy and international studies major from
Riddleton, Tenn.; Chelsea Caveny, a public policy
leadership major from Hattiesburg; Meaghan Gandy, a public
policy major from Yorktown, Va.; Robert Hamilton, a public
policy and philosophy major from Lebanon, Tenn.; Matthew
Henry, a public policy and international studies major,
Alex McLelland, a public policy leadership major, and John
Nordan III, a public policy major, all of Madison; Sarah
Rogers, an undecided major from Amory; Emilia Wilson, a
public policy leadership major from Gulfport; and Katherine
Watson, a public policy leadership and Southern studies
major from Louisville.
Watson said the exposure to a foreign country and its
values will be beneficial when she begins to pursue a
career.
“I will be able not only to see the sights and landmarks of
Korea but also to hear the opinions and perspectives that
the Korean students hold in regard to the areas that we
will study,” Watson said. “It is a unique way to augment
our learning in our increasingly global world.”
The exchange begins June 30, with joint meetings and
discussions before the group travels in the United States
for approximately two weeks prior to leaving for South
Korea.
For more information on the Lott Leadership Exchange
Program, contact Blair McElroy at blair@olemiss.edu or
662-915-1508, or go to
http://www.outreach.olemiss.edu/study?abroad/programs/short-term/lott?sum08.html.