Eighteen deaf and hard-of-hearing students from South Korea, led by Dr. Hyunbea You and faculty members Laura So Young Frank, Se Jung Lee, Byoung Chen Youn, Ji-Sook Choi, and Eunji Um, visited PEN-International from September 26 – October 3, 2009.

The goals of the cultural exchange were:

1. To give students an opportunity to explore different cultures and strengthen their identity.
2. To foster self-confidence and elevate the motivation of students.
3. To build a closer relationship between NTID and KNU.
4. To exchange information and share experiences in order to improve deaf education in each country.

During the visit, members of the KNU delegation were introduced to NTID and its mission and structure. Workshops were presented by Denise Kavin and Scot Atkins ("Leadership") and Mark Rosica ("Effective Communication and Negotiation Skills"). The delegation enjoyed an afternoon visit at the Rochester School for the Deaf , which was led by Susan Searls. KNU faculty also attended workshops on NTID's ASL and Interpreter Training Department, led by Donna Gustina, Cindy Sanders, and Linda Siple; and on NTID's Counseling Services, led by Lee Twyman and Robb Adams. Highlights of the week included students from both colleges sharing their own experiences regarding education, deaf culture, and American culture and an activity during which NTID student ambassadors hosted a KNU student for a daylong "shadowing" experience. The students also visited Niagara Falls and the Genesee Country Village and Museum.