Taylor ISD administrator visits South Korea as part of cultural enrichment program

Following Samsung Austin Semiconductor’s 2021 announcement that we were building a new plant in Taylor, Texas, the town has grown and adapted to the changing workforce in the area. To cater to a growing Korean clientele, a Korean restaurant, Taylor Seoul Food, opened in 2022.

When Taylor Independent School District (ISD) administrator Jennifer Patschke learned about a summer program that provides U.S. educators an experience to discover and learn about South Korea, she jumped at the opportunity and was chosen to attend in the summer of 2024 along with eight other educators.

The trip is organized by the Foundation for Korean Language and Culture in the USA and sponsored by the Korean Education Centers of Los Angeles, Calif. and Houston, Texas and under the auspice of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea.

Patschke, who has been with Taylor ISD for 31 years, is currently the chief of Human Resources and Student Supports.

We asked Patschke about the program, her takeaways and how the experience will help setup Taylor ISD students to succeed in a global environment.

Samsung: How did you learn about the summer program being offered by the Foundation for Korean Language and Culture in the USA?
Patschke: I learned about the program through William Kil, a long-time board member of the Foundation for Korean Language and Culture in the USA. He recently moved to Georgetown, Texas, to be closer to his family. Mr. Kil met with me and our superintendent, Dr. Jennifer Garcia-Edwardsen, to discuss the Foundation’s Summer Program in Korea for U.S. School Administrators. It features a seven-day experience in Korea, including city tours, visits to royal palaces, museums, schools and industrial sites.

Samsung: What motivated you to apply for the program?
Patschke: My motivation was to enhance and expand my knowledge of Korea, its culture and language. I hoped this experience would help pave the way for Taylor ISD to develop programs and courses focusing on Korean culture and language.

Samsung: With Samsung's presence in Taylor, how do you think that influenced your selection?
I believe Samsung’s presence in Taylor was a significant factor. As Samsung and other Korean-based corporations establish themselves in our area, Taylor ISD must explore ways to prepare our students for success in the global economy.

Samsung: What part of the program did you enjoy the most? What surprised you?
I particularly enjoyed visiting Hwarang Middle School in Gyeongju City. The staff and students greeted us warmly and led the presentations and tours themselves. It was fascinating to see how middle school students in Korea and the U.S. share many similarities. At the end of the visit, the students shared their favorite Korean snacks with us.

Another highlight was visiting Gyeongju Girls' Technical High School, where we learned about their career-focused programs. The students served us delicious coffee drinks as part of their barista training.

I also greatly enjoyed visiting the Hangul Museum, participating in a calligraphy lesson and exploring the Odusan Unification Observatory (DMZ).

Samsung: How did this program inspire you in your role at Taylor ISD?
This program inspired me to create opportunities for our staff and students to learn more about Korean culture and language. It also reignited my passion for lifelong learning and professional growth.

Samsung: How do you plan to apply what you’ve learned to Taylor ISD?
The first step will be creating interest in a K-POP student club at the high school to introduce students to Korean culture. We also plan to integrate Korean cultural experiences into our elementary after-school programs. Eventually, we aim to offer a Korean language course at the high school level.

Samsung: How does Samsung and South Korea’s influence align with Taylor ISD’s growth?
The arrival of Samsung and other Korean corporations presents unprecedented opportunities for our students. Taylor ISD must adapt and create pathways to prepare students for success in this global economy. Samsung’s presence opens doors that were never available in our hometown before.

Click here to watch a highlight video of the 2024 summer program.