Teachers and Students Gear Up for Global Discussions

Over the course of several weeks, teachers from China, Korea, India, Mexico, Peru, and the United States have been convening virtually in preparation for their highly anticipated IVECA Live Class sessions. Dedicated to fostering global citizenship and intercultural understanding, IVECA brings together these educators who have been guiding their students in completing research and developing presentations on topics that matter globally and locally.

The upcoming Live Classes will feature student-led projects exploring themes such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), building lasting community connections, addressing the causes and effects of climate change, enhancing quality education around the world, and examining how ancient innovations continue to shape modern society. By leading their students through the semester-long international collaboration, teachers guide students in navigating academic assignments while simultaneously fostering skills such as critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and successful teamwork both in the classroom and around the world.

Teacher engagement and enthusiasm is a key driver of the exchange program's success. Weekly meetings with their teachers have allowed the participating students to exchange ideas, share best practices, and support each other. Under the guidance of the teachers, who have created transformative learning experiences, students have worked tirelessly to complete research and group presentations with a collective enthusiasm that has been contagious. 

One teacher from the US shared that participation in the IVECA program is part of a voluntary after-school program. “Because of this, we have many passionate students who are excited for the Live Class after getting to know their partners." The building anticipation was echoed by a teacher from Peru, who shared her deep appreciation for this special opportunity her students have received.

As the IVECA live class sessions draw closer, the collaboration between educators across continents and positive influence on their students is inspiring, demonstrating that the lessons learned today can lead to meaningful change tomorrow.

#IVECA #TestSession #LiveClass #GCED #GlobalCitizenship #VirtualExchange #InterculturalCompetence

Building Bonds While Solving Air Pollution

Teachers and students from India and South Korea celebrated the end of their semester-long cultural and educational exchange journey on November 19th. This Live Class was the culmination of weeks of preparation, where students explored the theme of air pollution, shared cultural traditions, and exemplified the spirit of global collaboration.

The coordination of the final class began with test sessions involving teachers from both countries, during which technical aspects such as sound, camera settings, and the Live Class flow were carefully refined. Teachers from both sides expressed their enthusiasm, noting the excitement and readiness of their students for the real-time cross-cultural interaction. Guided by their dedicated educators, students eagerly prepared their group projects, cultural performances, and the final collaborative presentation.

The discussions on air pollution took center stage as students explored the causes and effects of this pressing global issue in their respective countries. Through their presentations, students identified shared challenges, such as vehicular emissions and industrial pollutants, while also proposing innovative solutions. A student reflected, “There were some similarities about causes or solutions between South Korea and India. For example, about causes, there are vehicular emissions and industrial pollutants in Korea, too. And about solutions, planting trees was in common. Of course, there are many things in common.” The student also highlighted differences, citing Korea’s use of dust-suction vehicles and suggesting that India’s carpooling campaigns could be effectively adapted to Korea. “I think solutions like carpooling campaigns can be adapted for Korea because by campaigns, people will carpool more often, and air pollution caused by vehicle emissions can be solved more easily,” they concluded.

These discussions demonstrated not only the students’ critical thinking and collaborative spirit but also their ability to apply localized solutions to global problems. By addressing air pollution together, the students exemplified the values of teamwork and shared responsibility, vital to becoming active global citizens.

After sharing their research and perspectives on air pollution, the Live Class transitioned into a joyous exchange of cultural heritage and contemporary popular culture. Korean students presented two performances: a video demonstrating the recipe for tteokbokki, a beloved Korean street food, and a live guitar performance of a famous Korean pop-song called “It’s An Art,” to which all the students sang and clapped. To enrich the cultural experience further, many Korean students wore hanbok, their traditional attire, showcasing the elegance and vibrancy of their culture.

Indian students reciprocated with stunning traditional dances, performed with fluent and rhythmic movements. Their performance provided a window into India’s rich culture, reflecting the diversity and beauty of their traditions. These exchanges highlighted the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural identity, fostering mutual appreciation and understanding between the participants.

Both students and teachers continue to express their gratitude for the opportunity to connect and collaborate. As one teacher shared, “This semester, it was a great joy and fortune to conduct the IVECA program. The afterglow of yesterday [Live Class] still lingers. The students' active participation and enthusiasm made not only the classes but also the live sessions enjoyable. I feel sad that I won’t be able to see them again next week. Through this opportunity, I am confident that the students will become global citizens. I thank everyone involved once again.”

The bonds formed throughout the semester and boosted by the Live Class were a testament to the power of education in bringing people together across geographical boundaries.

#IVECA  #GlobalCitizenship  #SDGs  #Sustainability  #VirtualExchange #LiveClass #GlobalFriendship

International Day for Tolerance: Embracing Diversity and Fostering Peace

Each year on November 16, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day for Tolerance, a day that underscores the importance of embracing diversity and respecting one another. Tolerance- the appreciation and acceptance of cultures, expressions, and ways of life- defines our global society. It is the understanding that humanity’s diversity is a source of richness and resilience. In an era of increasing interconnectedness, where people from different backgrounds live and work side by side, fostering tolerance is essential to building peaceful and inclusive societies. More than passive acceptance, true tolerance involves active engagement and empathy. It asks us to listen, learn, and celebrate each person's unique qualities. By committing to these principles, IVECA and program participants strive to contribute to a world where differences become opportunities for growth rather than sources of division.

In alignment with this global mission, IVECA plays an important role in promoting tolerance through education. As a platform for intercultural understanding, IVECA is deeply committed not only to diversity as an educational enrichment but also to preparing students for a global society that increasingly values intercultural competencies such as compassion, self-awareness, mutual respect, and adaptability Through innovative programs, IVECA connects students worldwide, offering them opportunities to learn from one another’s perspectives and to appreciate the complexity and richness of diverse cultures.

For instance, a Korean student shared the social challenges within his own community and expressed a desire to understand his partner's concerns more fully, saying, “I want to know about the social problems of India more specifically.” This openness reflects a genuine curiosity and willingness to understand other cultures. An Indian student responded by highlighting the dual realities within India, stating, “The social problem we are facing right now is gender inequality. Also, the infrastructure of India is really good in some regions like Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Noida, etc., but other regions have really bad conditions.” These interactions foster empathy and broaden perspectives, allowing students to explore issues beyond their own experiences and cultivating a deep respect for different cultural contexts.

Another Korean participant reflected, “The only thing I am concerned about in my society is polarization in many parts of society. If I get a chance, I want to solve this problem. Further, I want to solve this problem in the world.” Such sentiments reflect a strong commitment to addressing global challenges collectively and cultivating a sense of global citizenship in young learners, reinforcing that tolerance is fundamental to taking action toward meaningful and lasting peace.

On this International Day for Tolerance, IVECA reaffirms its dedication to building a future where cultural understanding and empathy transcend borders. As we commemorate this day, let us all remember that tolerance is the bedrock of a peaceful and inclusive society. By embracing diversity and promoting mutual respect, we can work towards a world where every individual is valued, where differences are cherished, and where understanding paves the way to unity and peace.

#IVECA #GlobalCitizenship #GCED #UN #InternationalDayforTolerance #InterculturalUnderstanding #GlobalCitizenshipEducation #Diversity