Students head to South Korea

Six AUM students will travel to South Korea to attend the University of Ulsan on June 28. This will be the fifth year AUM has partnered with U of U, and the 7,000-mile trip abroad will translate into four credit hours for each student.

Tom Vocino, head of AUM's Department of Political Science and Public Administration, and Jeong Kim, a visiting professor for the Accounting and Finance department, spoke to the students and helped them prepare for the trip, sharing advice and expertise. Kim, who also served as the first dean of the International Programs Office for the University of Ulsan, recommended students sign up for the frequent flier program. This trip alone may help pay for almost 60 percent of another domestic round trip ticket.

The students time abroad will consists of formal classes, field trips, and guest lectures by Hyundai executives. While U of U provides students with free dormitory rooms and meals, some students have the opportunity to stay with a Korean host family. The trip to Ulsan is one of many opportunities available to AUM students interested in studying abroad.

“My expectations are to experience a new culture and to see another way of life," said AUM junior and Wetumpka native Dirk Burchard. "Staying with a Korean family, I think, will be really interesting.”

Expectations and excitement aside, Burchard is a little anxious about one specific aspect of the trip.

"A 13-hour flight just does not sound fun," he said.