Global Lessons for Local Impact: How Studying in Korea Shaped My Climate Research

Name
John Cadiz

Field of Study
Transportation Technology and Policy

Class Standing
3rd-Year PhD Student

Graduation Year
2027

Virtual or In-Person
In-Person

Program Title, Location
Global Grad Grant
Korea University Climate Corps Program, Seoul, South Korea, Summer 2025

What motivated or led you to participate in your global learning program?
I joined the Climate Corps program in South Korea because it connected directly to my PhD research on hydrogen infrastructure in the U.S. I wanted to see how another country approaches energy transitions and compare its work with what is happening in California. Korea has invested heavily in hydrogen and clean energy as part of its climate strategy, creating a unique opportunity to study a system in action. I also wanted to step outside my usual academic setting, gain perspective on a global scale, and see how policies and cultural approaches shape clean transportation systems.

What was your experience like in this program? What did you learn from your experience: interacting with other people and cultures; academics; addressing global challenges; and/or developing global skills and leadership?
The program gave me a combination of classroom learning, site visits, and collaborative climate projects. I learned how energy and climate policies are applied in practice and how culture shapes decision-making. Working with students and professionals from diverse fields prompted me to articulate my own research more clearly and also reminded me to listen before jumping in. Seeing global challenges like decarbonization addressed in a different country helped me understand that solutions cannot be copied from one place to another. This experience taught me to connect my research with broader conversations and new perspectives.

What was the most challenging part of your program and the most rewarding?
The most challenging aspect was collaborating on a group project with individuals from diverse countries, cultural backgrounds and academic disciplines. We had different approaches to addressing climate issues, and at first, it felt like we were far apart in our thinking. This challenge became the most rewarding part of the program because we successfully brought together diverse perspectives and developed a policy recommendation focused on electrification in rural areas of developing countries. Collaborating with people from Malaysia, Japan, Italy, Singapore and Korea helped me think more globally and made the project especially meaningful.

What’s one of your most memorable experiences from your program?
One of my most memorable experiences was going on a Seoul Eco Tour. During the tour, we visited the Seoul Energy Dream Center, their waste recycling facility, and even saw how a large landfill was transformed into a green space for the community. While riding around in a golf cart, I noticed people playing games on the fields and families enjoying the open area. It struck me how a place once associated with waste had been turned into something that brought joy and community value. That moment stayed with me because it showed how creative solutions can transform not only infrastructure but also how people live.

What was a typical day like on your program?
Most days started with breakfast and then a bus ride to Korea University for a lecture, a site visit or group work on our projects. Lunch was usually provided on campus and often featured plant-based Korean food that reflected the country’s climate-friendly approach. Afternoons were spent either visiting facilities or refining our project proposals with feedback from professors. At the end of the day, we took the train back to the hotel and usually went out for dinner together. The schedule was busy but well-balanced, and each day provided us with a new perspective on climate challenges.

What advice do you have for someone considering your program or a global experience, in general?
I encourage students to immerse themselves as much as possible in the culture and to practice empathy throughout the experience. Understanding different viewpoints is essential in addressing global challenges. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, my background gave me a strong sense of what it means to be different or othered. That perspective helped me approach people with respect and curiosity, especially when navigating another culture. My advice is to lean into those strengths, be open to conversations that may feel unfamiliar, and let those experiences reshape your perspective on your own work.

What was your biggest concern about participating in the program? Were you able to overcome that concern, and if so, how?
My biggest concern was the language barrier since I do not speak Korean. I worried about navigating daily life and how I would manage without getting lost. To my surprise, this became one of the most positive learning experiences I've had. Even without fluency, I experienced kindness and generosity from people who went out of their way to help. It showed me that respect and patience go a long way in overcoming barriers. My advice to others would be not to fear making mistakes or asking for help. The most memorable moments came when I stepped outside my comfort zone and got a little lost.

What is something you wish you had known before joining the program?
This was the first year the program was offered, and I wish I had known how fast-paced it would be. We had to design a climate solution and create a comprehensive implementation plan within a short timeframe. I found this pace stressful at first and, at times, overly ambitious. If I had known what to expect, I would have prepared by narrowing my focus and identifying the areas where I could contribute most effectively. This would have made it easier to ask for help when I needed it and would have reduced some of the pressure I felt.

How do you think your program experiences will benefit you in the future—academically, regarding future career goals, or personally?
This experience gave me a global perspective that I could not have gained by staying in California. It has already shaped my dissertation by showing me how policy, culture and technology interact differently across contexts. Academically, I am approaching my research with more comparative awareness. I gained confidence in adapting to new environments and working with diverse groups of people. Professionally, I learned how to communicate research in a way that connects with audiences outside of academia. These skills will stay with me as I continue my doctoral work and move toward a career in climate policy.

Please elaborate on any aspect of your identity or experience that impacted your program decisions or time on the program.
As a gay graduate student, I was aware that being in South Korea meant I needed to be careful about how I presented myself. While I was fortunate to be surrounded by supportive people, I still carried that awareness with me each day. This experience reminded me of how much our identity shapes the way we navigate the world. It also reinforced my belief that our community brings a valuable perspective when engaging globally, as we understand what it feels like to be different. For me, this awareness became a strength, helping me approach the program with empathy and respect.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
Looking back, this program was a turning point in my PhD and I thank the Global Grad Grant for making this possible. It gave me new ideas for my dissertation and reminded me of the importance of connecting research to real-world problems. Seeing how another country approaches climate and energy issues gave me motivation to continue this work and confidence in my path forward. For anyone considering a global program, my advice is to take the leap. You will return with new skills, friendships and experiences that will stay with you long after the program ends. It is not just an academic opportunity but a personal one as well.