South Country School District superintendent Antonio Santana was awarded a scholarship from the New York State Council of School Superintendents, which afforded him the honor of representing the district on a trip to Asia with educational leaders from around the country. The educational tour was facilitated by EF Tours and was themed “Technology, Innovation, and Culture in Japan and South Korea.”

According to Santana, the visit was “full of juxtapositions.”

“It was a true mash-up of tradition and innovation, collectivism and individualism, and reflection and projection,” he said.

During the trip, Santana visited both Hiroshima and the Demilitarized Zone in South Korea. He acknowledged the unique perspective that visiting these locations in person offers, stating, “While we can read about it, watch videos, and even engage in interactive digital platforms, to walk among it and experience it was invaluable.”

Santana also described the emphasis in both countries on education as “remarkable, as was their notion of collectivism, putting community before self.” He explained that education is held in high regard as it is considered extremely impactful in terms of fostering a prosperous society.”

The tour was not only a catalyst for reflection, but projection as Mr. Santana engaged in discussions with the educational leaders on the trip on how they might apply the experience to their respective school communities. He “is certainly looking forward to applying the experience to my role as superintendent in the South Country Central School District,” he explained. “I gained a true appreciation for the value of experiential learning.”