East Asian Politics | Ohio Wesleyan University

East Asian politics

Ohio Wesleyan Class travels to South Korea to explore its developing economy and culture

Name: Giorgi Bediashvili ’25
residence: Tbilisi, Georgia
Secondary school: Independent Secular Gymnasium “Shavnabada”
Majors: Politics & Government and Data Analytics (Bachelor of Arts); Quantitative Economics (Bachelor of Science)

Name: Kaylen Brandt ’26
residence:Chicago, IL
Secondary school: Lindblom Mathematics and Science Academy
Majors: Politics & Government and Communication
Minor: Data and Society

OWU connection experience: Travel-learning course in East Asian politics

Students Giorgi Bediashvili, Kaylen Brandt, Ava Giese, Blake JohnsonAnd Alexi Otworth traveled to South Korea from May 14 to 30 to explore “the development of modern national identities and the political and economic modernization processes in East Asia from a comparative perspective.”

The students traveled along Ji Young ChoiPh.D., associate professor of Politics and Government, and Dede Shine, assistant director of international and off-campus programs. They also met alumni Millie Rocco ’22 during the Travel-Learn course.

Professor Choi shares that after a semester of studying the topic in class, the optional travel component of the course allowed students to “better understand the historical and cultural context of South Korea, in which rapid political and economic changes have occurred …to observe what is really happening in South Korea.” the country politically, economically and culturally… (and) to better understand South Korea’s political and economic performance and current political and economic issues.

Why this experience?

Bediashvili: “It was completely different from my past experiences and provided me with a unique travel opportunity to a region I had never visited before. As a person interested in international development and economics, this experience allowed me to travel to South Korea and learning firsthand about rapid economic development while emerging into a completely new culture.”

Burns: “I had previously researched East Asian politics, more specifically Korean politics. This trip (allowed) me to apply the knowledge I gained inside and outside the course.”

Lesson learned

Bediashvili: “I would say that South Korea should be on everyone’s travel list, especially for those interested in East Asian politics and economics. In our classroom, we learned about the economy of South Korea and analyzed the economy of South Korea and its rapid development, known as the ‘Miracle on the Han’. River.’ However, seeing this rapid economic growth and innovation with your own eyes is a completely different experience. Furthermore, the opportunity to be in a completely different culture promotes intercultural learning, which cannot be achieved through classroom discussions Economics and Politics and Government, this trip was full of discoveries and learning experiences that I can take with me to campus and to my future career.

“We live in an interconnected world, and immersing yourself in different cultures is truly an eye-opener. Immersing yourself in another culture promotes empathy, cultural sensitivity and a deeper appreciation for global diversity. Furthermore, it allows students to gain theoretical knowledge applicable to real-world scenarios and is a great addition to classroom learning.”

Burns: “Some of the lessons I learned and connected were the impact of soft powers such as cultural exports and the daily realities of geopolitics in the region.”

Favorite moments

Bediashvili: “Visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was a very different and memorable experience. At first I didn’t really know what to expect from the DMZ tour, but I would say it was a unique experience that had a great impact on had me.

“After going through the military security check, we were able to get as close as possible to the border and visit the UN-controlled area. Seeing the North Korean city beyond the border and realizing that in the past, before the war, this was one country where everyone lived in peace without the need for DMZ was an eye-opener. DMZ contains the history of the Korean War and its impact on the people of both parts of the peninsula.

Burns: “The opportunity to dance with a K-Pop idol trainee, meet Yonsei University students and catch up with my friends who live or work in the area.”

Campus involvement

Bediashvili: “Last year I was elected and served as Vice President of WCSA (Student Government). In this role, I represented the student body and advocated for their needs. In addition, I am actively involved in the Model United Nations club on campus and am a member of the Student Council of Economics and Business.”

Burns: “I am the current president of Reality Remix, I dance with Orchesis Dance Company and Terpsicorps, I am a member of the WCSA and DEI Council, and I was the OMSA Program Ambassador for Spring 2024.”

Why Ohio Wesleyan?

Bediashvili: “I chose Ohio Wesleyan University because of all the opportunities it offers students, from travel opportunities to student-centered research programs. Additionally, Ohio Wesleyan’s commitment to academic excellence and great faculty were major factors in my decision. I would say Ohio Wesleyan is a hidden gem among other liberal arts universities and certainly prepares you for the ever-changing world.”

Burns: “I chose to attend Ohio Wesleyan because it met so many of the requirements I wanted for my college experience.”

Plans after graduation

Bediashvili: “After graduating from OWU, I plan to pursue a career in international development with a concentration in international relations and economics. Additionally, I plan to pursue graduate study that will enhance my skills. One thing I can say is that I really am curious about what the future has in store for me.”

Burns: “How does OWU help prepare you to achieve these goals? As a rising junior, I have enjoyed my time in Ohio and at OWU, but I look forward to obtaining my master’s or a doctorate degree from one of the many great universities in my hometown Chicago.”