[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 137 (Friday, October 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1959]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1959]]



              REPORT ON THE KOREAN INTERN EXCHANGE PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2000

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I wish to call to the attention of our 
colleagues this report written by Jacqueline Hui, an intern who 
participated in our U.S. Congress Korean National Assembly Student 
Intern Exchange Program which I instituted seventeen years ago.
  Jacqueline is a student at Brown University, majoring in Political 
Science and Economics. She was an intern in my Washington office this 
past summer and in my district office in 1999. She did an outstanding 
job. I am very proud of her, and I am happy that she was able to 
participate in our Korean Exchange Program. Her report underscores the 
importance of such exchange programs, and the valuable experiences 
which our students receive:

   Summary of the U.S. Congress--Republic of Korea National Assembly

                           By Jacqueline Hui

       One of the most important goals of our exchange program is 
     to foster greater understanding between Korea and the United 
     States. Although I can not speak on behalf of the Korean 
     students, I believe that all of us American students have 
     gained a greater understanding of Korean politics and culture 
     through the exchange.
       The time spent abroad in Korea was very well-organized and 
     very intense. If there is any way one could experience almost 
     every aspect of Korea in two weeks, I did. Everyday the 
     schedule was packed from eight o'clock in the morning until 
     ten o'clock in the evening. When I finally returned home, I 
     would be completely exhausted and fall asleep until it was 
     time to wake up again for another grueling day.
       On the first day, I learned about the Korean language at 
     the Seoul National University and viewed a traditional music 
     performance. At the performance, I realized that the Korean 
     culture was uniquely different from Asian cultures, my being 
     Chinese.
       On the other days, we went to the National Folk Museum, the 
     Changdok Palace, visited the National Assembly, visited 
     Samsung Electronics, did some pottery, went to a traditional 
     Korean Spa, went to the De-Militarized Zone (Panmujom), 
     participated in a Taekwondo workshop, spent a day interning 
     in the National Assembly, and did a home-stay to experience 
     Korean life.
       The single day interning in the National Assembly was 
     insufficient to really see Korean politics. The most intense 
     experience was definitely visiting the De-Militarized Zone. 
     The particular area clearly depicts the tensions between 
     North and South. Furthermore, the U.S. presence in the area 
     also demonstrates and creates tension between the Koreans and 
     Americans. Overall, I attended many meetings that explained 
     different sides of issues concerning Koreans and in the end, 
     I had a much clearer view of Korea.
       Near the end of the stay, we went to Kyongju, which was the 
     capital of the Shilla dynasty. The place is full of history 
     and culture. There was also the Turtle Tomb--an underwater 
     tomb that was built by and for a king, used to protect Korea 
     from being attacked by Japan. I also saw Buddhist temples and 
     Confucian schools--both of which have greatly influenced the 
     ideology and culture of Korea.
       At the end of the trip, we went to Cheju Island, a resort 
     island south of Korea. The island was beautiful. We took a 
     boat ride to see the surrounding islands and visited the one 
     waterfall on the island. The previous two weeks in Korea had 
     been hectic. The time spent in Cheju was relaxing and allowed 
     us to reflect on our stay.
       When we went back to San Francisco, we had a chance to meet 
     up with the Korean students and shared our experiences with 
     each other. Perhaps it might have been more interesting if we 
     had met back in Korea instead.
       Overall, the Koreans showed great hospitality in all 
     respects. Everywhere we went we were treated very well. We 
     Americans tend to bask in our superiority over other nations. 
     Interestingly enough, I found Korea to be highly 
     technologically advanced. Americans should remember that 
     other nations do have the capacity to surpass us, at least in 
     certain respects.
       I am grateful for this opportunity to experience the Korean 
     culture first hand. The program was very successful--in my 
     eyes--in fostering understanding between two cultures. I hope 
     that future exchange students will continue to have the 
     opportunity to live and learn Korean culture as I did.

     

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