Celebrating STEM Exchange: Korean Students Experience Iowa

By Ava Deitrich, Student Services Coordinator 

From October 4-6, the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and the Office of International Engagement (OIE) hosted 26 enthusiastic Korean students from across the country. These students are part of exchange programs at various institutions throughout the U.S., focusing on careers and educational opportunities within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. This initiative results from a collaboration between the Institute of International Education (IIE) and the Korean Government, specifically the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT).

OIE was fortunate to have their proposal selected from numerous submissions, underscoring the program's significance in promoting STEM exchanges and enhancing cooperation between U.S. and Korean institutions. This exchange provides students with valuable insights into American education and industry practices and fosters cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

Exploring Iowa's STEM Landscape

During their 48-hour visit to Cedar Falls and the surrounding areas, the Korean students immersed themselves in Iowa's unique attributes and the Midwestern approach to STEM. The itinerary was carefully curated to provide hands-on experiences that would bridge the gap between their academic studies and real-world applications.

The visit began on Friday with a trip to Hansen Dairy Farm, where students learned about entrepreneurship and the integration of STEM in small business growth. This experience highlighted the practical applications of their studies and allowed them to see firsthand how technology and innovation play critical roles in local agriculture.

Following the farm visit, students engaged with Korean faculty on campus, toured the Botanical Center, and explored the Biology Department. They interacted with various species and gained insights into biological research and conservation efforts.

On Saturday, the group visited the Iowa Capitol for a tour, followed by a specialized entrepreneurship workshop led by Dr. Lindi Roelofse, a local expert. This workshop emphasized the importance of entrepreneurial thinking and innovation in STEM careers. The day they have culminated in a tour of Mainframe Studios, a local art studio and workshop in the city's heart, where students witnessed the intersection of creativity and technology. This experience showcased local talent and sparked discussions about the role of art and design in STEM fields.

Inspiring Reflections

The impact of this trip extended beyond academic enrichment. An IIE associate noted, “This trip gave them real-life examples of things they've been studying in school.” Such experiences have profound effects on students’ perspectives and ambitions. One student shared how witnessing the dairy farm's role in local commerce inspired him to consider similar entrepreneurial opportunities in Korea rather than relying solely on larger national companies. This sentiment reflects the broader goal of the exchange program: to encourage students to apply their learning in ways that resonate with their communities.

Additionally, the program highlighted cultural differences in definitions of success. As one IIE associate observed, “Culturally, there is a specific definition of what 'success' looks like in Korea, and after participating in this enrichment trip, many expressed their gratitude for this experience and their newfound motivation to 'create their definition of success.'” This realization underscores the transformative power of international exchange in shaping students' futures.

The collaboration between the Office of International Engagement and the Institute of International Education exemplifies the vital role of STEM exchange programs in fostering global understanding and cooperation. By providing Korean students with immersive experiences in Iowa, this initiative enhances their academic journey and empowers them to envision their futures in innovative and impactful ways. As these students return to Korea, they carry new insights, inspiration, and a broader definition of success that can positively influence their communities.

On November 5th, Carolina Coronado-Park and Kristi Marchesani will attend a workshop sponsored by IIE and KIAT to explore partnerships with Korean universities in Washington, DC.