Exchange life in South Korea told by Kinson to Rotarians
Inspired by her father, Tory Kinson, who spent a year as an exchange student himself in Ecuador in 1989, the Bearden High School graduate decided to make a trip of her own.
“This person is my first born,” Tory said, then added, “She probably heard me talking about the all the stories of the good old days.”
Still, “it was the hardest decision we had to make as parents,” he said. “But the rewards are she was able to handle herself and level up.”
Valerie’s trip inspired brothers, Garrett, 17, and Sebastian, 14, BHS students who are considering trips of their own.
Her choice to visit South Korea was spurred by her exposure to the authentic Korean foods she had at friends’ houses in Knoxville and to KPOP, a popular Korean music genre.
Her time in South Korea ran from Sept. 2, 2023, to July 8.
Her many South Korean friends “inspired me with their culture,” she said.
Valerie lived with three host families, each providing different insights into South Korean homes. She attended high school, beginning in the lowest of the three grades.
She said that experience helped her appreciate America more because of South Korea’s pressure to do well and students’ competitiveness.
Valerie said students at her high school were competing for top grades on assignments, and the importance of high scores was evident.
“Students were learning college math at 16,” she recalled.
In the United States, however, “there’s not so much pressure to be so successful.”
The trip “brought her closer to her blessings of this country and her faith,” Tory said.
Valerie said South Korean students are taught to serve their community through community service projects.
The most surprising school experience, she said, was in the school lunchroom, where students are served a hot, nutritious meal that is fresh and prepared on campus.
Valerie also traveled to Japan and Thailand, visiting a Cat Café, many amusement parks and karaoke rooms.
