east asian politics
Ohio State Wesleyan class visits South Korea to explore evolving economy and culture Giorgi Bediashvili ’25 Kaylen Brandt ’26
Name: Giorgi Bediashvili ’25
Birthplace: Tbilisi, Georgia
High School: Independent Secular Gymnasium “Shavnabada”
Major: Politics and Government and Data Analysis (Bachelor of Arts). Quantitative Economics (Bachelor of Science)
Name: Kaylen Brandt ’26
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
High School: Lindblom Academy of Mathematics and Science
Major: Politics and Administration, Communication
Minor: Data and Society
OWU Connection Experience: East Asia Political Travel Study Course
In addition to Bediashvili and Brandt, Ava Gies ’26, a student from Groveport, Ohio; Blake Johnson ’24 of Centerburg, Ohio; Alexi Otworth ’24, a resident of Centerburg, Ohio, will spend May 14-30 researching “the development of modern national identities and the process of political and economic modernization in East Asia from a comparative perspective.” I visited Korea until today.
The students traveled with Dr. Ji Young Choi, associate professor of politics and government, and Dede Shine, assistant director of international and extramural programs. They also met with alumnus Millie Rocco ’22 during the travel studies course.
After spending a semester studying the subject in the classroom, Professor Choi said, the course’s optional travel component provides students with a “deeper understanding of the historical and cultural background of South Korea, a country undergoing rapid political and economic change.” I was able to understand…I was able to observe what is actually happening in Korea.” This country is politically, economically, culturally…(and) you will be able to better understand South Korea’s political and economic achievements and current political and economic issues. ”
Why am I having this experience?
Bediashvili: “It was completely different from any previous experience and provided me with a unique travel opportunity to an area I had never been to before.As someone interested in international development and economics, this experience This allowed me to travel to South Korea and learn first-hand about it.”While experiencing rapid economic development, a whole new culture was born. ”
Brandt: “I previously studied East Asian politics, particularly Korean politics, so this trip allowed me to apply the knowledge I gained both on and off the course.”
We live in an interconnected world and immersing yourself in different cultures can be a real eye-opener.
Giorgi Bediashvili Lessons learned in 25 years
Bediashvili: “I think South Korea should be on the travel list of people, especially those interested in East Asian politics and economics. Learned and analyzed rapid developments. Han River. But seeing this rapid economic growth and innovation with your own eyes is a completely different experience. Additionally, having the opportunity to immerse yourself in a completely different culture promotes cross-cultural learning that cannot be achieved through classroom discussions. Economics, politics, government, this trip was full of exploration and learning that I was able to take back to campus and my future career.
“We live in an interconnected world and being immersed in another culture can be a real eye-opener. Develops awareness. Additionally, students are able to apply their theoretical knowledge to the real world’-world scenarios, making it ideal for classroom learning. ”
Brandt: “Some of the lessons I learned and connected were the impact of soft power, such as cultural exports, and the everyday realities of geopolitics in the region.”
Travelers in Wesleyan, Ohio, stand in front of the 123-story Lotte World Tower, the tallest skyscraper in Seoul. Participating in a travel learning course that is part of OWU Connections are (from left) Ava Gies, Dede Shine, Alexi Otworth, Ji Yong Choi, Kaylen Brandt, Blake Johnson, and Giorgi Bediashvili (photo provided by: Giorgi Bediashvili) 25) Favorite moment
Bediashvili: “Visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was a completely different and memorable experience. At first, I wasn’t really sure what to expect from a DMZ tour, but it had a huge impact on me. I can say it was a unique experience.
“After passing through military security checks, we were able to get as close to the border as possible and visit UN-controlled areas. This country, where everyone lived peacefully without the need for a DMZ, has a history of the Korean War and its impact on people in both regions of the peninsula. It was an eye-opener. ”
Brandt: “I was able to dance with K-Pop idol trainees, meet Yonsei University students, and catch up with friends who live or work in the area.”
campus involvement
Bediashvili: “Last year, I was elected and served as vice president of the WCSA (Student Government Association). In this role, I represented the student body and advocated for their needs. Additionally, I participated in Model United Nations I am also actively involved in clubs” and serve on the economics and business student committees on campus. ”
Brandt: “I am the current President of Reality Remix, dance with Orchesis Dance Company and Terpsicorps, serve on the WCSA and DEI Councils, and was an OMSA Program Ambassador for Spring 2024.”
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
Bediashvili: “I chose Ohio Wesleyan University because of the opportunities it offers students, from travel opportunities to student research programs. Dedication and great faculty were also important factors in my decision.I can say that I chose Ohio Wesleyan University, which is a hidden gem among other liberal arts universities. You can definitely prepare for it.”
Brandt: “I chose to attend Ohio Wesleyan because it met so many of the criteria I was looking for in a college experience.”
Plans after graduation
Bediashvili: “After graduating from OWU, I plan to pursue a career in international development with an emphasis on international relations and economics. I also plan to continue my graduate studies to improve my skill set. All I can say is this: I’m very excited to see what the future has in store for me. ”
Brandt: “How has OWU prepared you to achieve these goals? As a rising junior, I have enjoyed my time at Ohio State and OWU, but many I’m looking forward to getting my master’s or doctoral degree at one of these great universities in my hometown of Chicago. ”
