The 11 instructors studying this month at the Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training could have stayed in their native South Korea to gain computer skills. Hawaii high-technology
center attracts 11 South
Korean traineesBy Treena Shapiro
tshapiro@starbulletin.comBut when provided the opportunity to learn about information technology in Hawaii, they jumped at the chance to take courses at an American college.
PCATT, based at Honolulu Community College, provides noncredit high-technology training in areas such as system certification, programming, networking and design.
"America is the most advanced country in the world. I'm here to see the source of the reason why," group leader Jong Man Kang said through a translator.
The instructors teach engineering, electronics and computer science at the Human Resources Development Services of Korea, an agency of 22 vocational training branches. The service has become more critical with high unemployment caused by the economic situation in Korea and Japan.
"This sort of training in the future will be important, not just to the school, but to the Korean economy," instructor Seung Won Yoon said.
More relevant than the training itself is the opportunity to observe how the courses are taught. The cultural exchange is the key, Yoon said.
According to Kang, one benefit of studying in Hawaii is being able to learn about tourism. Korea will be hosting soccer's World Cup next year, and they "want to learn how local people treat tourists so they can host the World Cup better."
After 10 days in Hawaii, Kang said he was "very impressed with the orderliness of people and their kindness."
This is the first time PCATT, 1 year old, has hosted an international group, and Director Don Bourassa hopes that it will become a trend that could generate revenue to support the program's high-tech courses.