Professors teach courses in Seoul

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Two Dickinson State University faculty taught courses in film studies when they were invited to teach at the Duksung Women’s University in Seoul, South Korea, from Dec. 17 to Jan. 8.

Dr. David Schreindl assistant professor of journalism, and Dr. Michael Cartmill, assistant professor of Spanish, responded to an invitation to teach courses which they had proposed through DSU’s Multicultural Affairs office. Unaware the other had applied, both of their proposals were accepted.

“I thought visiting another country and experiencing another culture would help broaden my horizons, especially because I teach intercultural communications,” Schreindl said.

His wife, Cheryl, felt he couldn’t pass up the travel opportunity. While he was abroad, Cheryl and children visited family in Canada, Schreindl said.

He taught Film Literacy to seven students at the Korean university.

“Their English was decent, but the problem was cultural learning styles,” he said. “They’re used to being lectured to; whereas, I teach by engaging them in discussion.”

The turning point was when he switched to Korean movies with English subtitles.

“It was total fun,” he said. “I’d teach three hours in the morning and tour in the afternoon and evening.”

Cartmill taught “Spain and Latin America on Film” to eight Korean students.

He filled the three-hour class with a film and discussions related to region and culture of the film.

“The films, of course, were in Spanish with English subtitles,” he said.

The men were provided with housing and interpreters. Using transit passes, the men explored the city of Seoul, sometimes together and sometimes alone.

A highlight for Cartmill was visiting the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

“It’s a surreal experience,” he said. “At one end of the building you’re in South Korea and the other end in North Korea.”

Cartmill has traveled to 22 countries and was a missionary to South America for two years.

“I like new things and have an adventuresome spirit — I wanted to try everything I could,” Cartmill said.

Schreindl traveled to South Korea with an open mind and tried to enjoy it all.

“My favorite part was actually getting to know the people and students,” he said. “It was great walking around the streets, but we were pretty much ignored.”

Food is probably what defines their culture, Schreindl said.

“There are restaurants every other shop,” he said. “They are really into their food, especially the younger generation. Their restaurants serve a lot more healthier foods and vegetables.”

Traveling abroad wasn’t a concern for Schreindl, because he has visited 38 states and 14 countries throughout his lifetime.

Schreindl also works as a desk clerk at The Dickinson Press, assisting the news and sports department.

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