Joe Jackson, a JCCC student in the chef apprenticeship program, and Nguyet Nguyen, a JCCC graduate with an associate of applied science degree in food and beverage management and a pastry/baking certificate, attended the Global Student Leadership 2009 in Daegu, South Korea, during the summer.

In this cultural exchange, 20 Korean students met and lived with 20 foreign students from countries such as Canada, Japan, Australia, the Philippines and United States at Daegu Health College. The exchange included lectures, seminars, tours and meals.

"When you are part of an exchange like this you learn a lot about another country and about yourself. It opens up your point of view," Jackson said.

"While I was there, I had an amazing time," Nguyen said. "People were giving and very open, taking care of each other."

After the formal exchange, Jackson and Nguyen traveled to Seoul and met with well-known chefs in restaurants. Jackson, who is due to graduate in December, plans to return to Seoul to work.

Both Jackson and Nguyen earned a well-deserved break from their work. Jackson is completing his chef apprenticeship working 40 hours a week at Hallbrook Country Club in Leawood. Nguyen, who also has a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Kansas, works full time at the Westin Crown Center, creating desserts for the restaurant and VIP meals. Nguyen says the Westin has been supportive of her culinary endeavors, allowing her time off for the exchange. She plans to apply to a pastry program in Switzerland because "Europe is the best place for pastry."

Both Jackson and Nguyen were members of the JCCC culinary team for two years. Nguyen served as team captain. They competed in the Food and Hotel Asia Culinary Challenge 2008 in Singapore, each winning a medal in the student category.

What would they say to other students thinking about a similar exchange? Nguyen and Jackson say "go for it."