4 minute read
BUILDING BRIDGES
College develops partnerships in South Korea and India
With exchange and study abroad programs back on the rise, LaGrange College has hit the ground running in expanding its global reach by teaming up with international organizations and institutions seeking a liberal arts-based education for their students.
For a two-week period that started in late January, the college hosted six fourth-year Jesus University (Jeonju-si, South Korea) nursing exchange students who took part in the Global Nursing Vision Program that was established between the two institutions.
“Their goal with this visit was to receive a global clinical experience as part of their education,” said Dr. Brian Peterson, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
A newfound outlook
While on campus, the Korean students sat in on courses from the Nursing faculty.
“Having these students visit our program was a wonderful experience,” said Dr. Sarah Jones, Associate Nursing Professor and Department Chair. “Their enthusiasm and curiosity brought a renewed perspective for all of us. Our students loved spending time with them and learning what nursing school is like for them back home.”
Outside the classroom, the Korean group observed clinical rotations at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center and volunteered at Vernon Woods Retirement Community.
“It's evident that they made the most of their time, learning a lot and bringing joy to the staff through their enthusiasm and appreciation for things we often take for granted,” said Tammy
Lynch, executive director of nursing at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center. “Their presence was not only inspiring but also a reminder of the value of curiosity and engagement in any learning environment.”
Korean nursing student leader Bitna Lee shared her sentiments on the group participating in the Global Nursing Vision Program.
“It was an amazing experience that money could not buy for us to be able to see firsthand the work of an American nurse in the U.S. hospital system,” she said.
Overall, the students gained immeasurable benefits from the trip, according to Jungok Lee, Nursing Professor at Jesus University.
“I look forward to the continued collaboration with LaGrange College in future programs,” she said. “As a university specialized in nursing, Jesus University hopes for opportunities to collaborate with LC in fields related to health, nursing and service.”
Establishing connections in India
Over the past year, the college has been collaborating with High School Moms, one of the leading parent, student and educator networks in Asia.
“Located in India, this organization works with more than 15 million students and parents,” said Dr. John Head, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Experience. “They partner with colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada to bring Indian students to their campuses.”
China and India send the majority of international students studying in the U.S., with 52 percent of the total coming from these two countries, according to the Open Doors 2022 report.
In January, President Susanna Baxter and Dr. Head traveled to India to visit with educators, administrators and students at various schools that work with High School Moms.
During their 10-day visit, students and professional musicians performed traditional pieces for their guests, and while Drs. Baxter and Head didn’t perform, they did spend a great deal of time talking about higher education in America.
While meeting with principals and teachers, President Baxter and Dr. Head also gave presentations on leadership development.
As a result of the trip and partnership with High School Moms, some Indian students have applied to come to LaGrange College.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new Panthers to LC,” Dr. Head said. “It will be exciting to see how our relationship with High School Moms develops over time.”
