Four Countries: Making Connections and Creating Change

Coming together in two Live Classes on November 21 and December 12, partner schools in Sri Lanka and China, as well as South Korea and the United States exemplified the importance of global citizenship education and intercultural competence. The participating students from all four countries tackled pressing issues they observed from local and global perspectives.

Focusing on issues such as the economic crisis, human rights, natural disasters and the human-wildlife conflict, Sri Lankan students shared an invaluable viewpoint on local challenges within their country. They emphasized the need for improved economic systems, environmental protections, and change in approach to wildlife–particularly the national symbol–the elephant. Meanwhile, Chinese students took the time to share their views on matters such as the food crisis, adolescent mental health, and psychological well-being. Giving critical insight into these issues, students shared why we should all be coming together to solve these problems without delay. The two groups of students explored the impacts of these challenges within their countries, enlightening one another in unexpected ways. Truly, the similarities within challenges the students face from different locations and their shared drive to solve them for global impact prove just how interconnected we all are as global citizens.

Korean students and their American counterparts approached similar issues through a different lens, reflecting on how personal spending can impact one’s community with the potential to create a domino effect throughout the nation. Korean students discovered, through monitoring their own spending and saving habits, that their monetary habits could affect change in their communities. Being more conscious of where their money is spent, the sustainability of the items they buy, and the contributions they make to worthy causes could make a big difference. Their partners in the United States expanded on these ideas, connecting individual spending to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. From investing in sustainable energy, human rights organizations and charities such as Habitat for Humanity and the World Food Program, the students emphasized their common goals, exemplifying global citizens who understand individuals’ impact on the larger society and take action for the solution, “If we can convince more people in the U.S. to direct their spending towards helpful organizations, we can fix [our problems].” 

While the issues were pressing, the cross-cultural collaboration was inspiring and full of rich, meaningful discourse, fostering a true sense of camaraderie. Towards the end of each Live Class, students also eagerly shared cultural performances, showcasing peeks into their daily lives. Chinese and Sri Lankan students shared some of their rich cultural traditions. Several Sri Lankan students performed a beautiful traditional melody and the class shared a video overviewing traditional customs. Chinese students crafted a delicately lit lantern and displayed fantastic calligraphy. During their Live Class, one Korean student played a traditional instrument, the dae-geum, while American students showed off skills in various sports such as volleyball, golf and basketball. 

Though the students began with nervous excitement and shared their thoughts with caution, they soon realized that while they may be from dynamic backgrounds in culture and environment, their potential for collaboration and creating change for a better humanity is universal. Perfectly summarizing the feeling of intercultural understanding and new-found friendship, a Korean student shared, “Even though we have known each other for a short time, I believe that this meeting will be a small spark that will light our future.”

By having opportunities to understand similarities in life and acknowledge the locally specific differences that make them each an invaluable part of the global community through IVECA’s virtual exchange, the students have made strides in their intercultural competence and become stronger global citizens. Leaving the sessions with new friendships and fresh perspectives, the students certainly left a lasting impact on one another and will continue to change the world around them for the better.

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A Virtual Adventure Between a U.S. and South Korean Elementary School

In an era where technology has made the world a smaller place, two elementary school classes from opposite ends of the globe embarked on a thrilling virtual adventure by sharing each other's special places in their countries. On December 6th, the classrooms, one on the West Coast of the United States and the other nestled in central South Korea, came together for an enriching exchange that overcame the obstacle of distance. The journey began with the students introducing themselves live through video, each bubbling with excitement and curiosity. The U.S. students proudly showcased their classroom’s “Hello from California” banner, while the South Korean counterparts shared glimpses of their vibrant and bustling schools. 

One of the highlights of this virtual exchange was when both classes took turns presenting special places in their respective countries. With infectious enthusiasm, U.S. students shared the enchanting wonders of the Great Wolf Lodge, the historical Thomas Griswold House in Covina, the iconic In-n-Out Burger, and the heartwarming environment of their elementary school. A U.S. student shared, “I think Great Wolf Lodge is a fun and energetic place. It’s special because this place is really fun and it is a place I can enjoy with my family.” Meanwhile, the South Korean students transported their American friends from the thrilling rides of Lotte World to the sweet aromas of Seongsim Dang, a famous bakery in Daejeon, Korea. A Korean student shared, “I’m proud to have such a famous place in my city.” Continuing the virtual field trip around Korea, students described the mesmerizing underwater world of COEX Aquarium. The international partners felt proud to share their special places with IVECA friends.

As the virtual international exchange ended, the students on both ends of the connection felt a profound sense of camaraderie. After the presentations had finished, a U.S. student read aloud their farewell letter. “IVECA was really interesting and was more than I expected when I first joined! I really enjoy meeting new people from around the world and learning about their culture, but since I joined IVECA, learning about South Korea’s interesting culture, I’m actually happy that I finally got to know you…THANK YOU!!!” The world suddenly felt a little smaller, and the bonds of friendship created during this delightful exchange will leave an impact for a lifetime. In a world filled with possibilities, these young minds have proven that even the smallest gestures of connection can inspire joy capable of resonating across continents. The virtual journey between these two elementary schools serves as a testament to the power of education, curiosity, and the universal language of happiness.

#IVECA #LiveClass #InterculturalExchange #GlobalCitizenshipEducation #InterculturalEducation #21stCenturyEducation #ElementarySchools 

Korean and American Students Explore Cultural Treasures

Students from Gwanpyeong and Jijok Middle Schools in Korea, and their peers from St. Paul Public School in the United States came together on November 23 and December 7 for two interactive Live Class sessions. Special guests from IVECA alumni and educators were invited, and IVECA youth representatives from Lebanon, Morocco and the United States contributed to the cultural richness of these gatherings. This virtual rendezvous served as a conduit for these young minds to exchange views on their cherished traditions and share insights in preserving the cultural heritage of their home countries.

Korean students passionately presented a glimpse into their country's rich heritage. They introduced the enchanting world of Korean traditional games like Jwibulnori during the Lunar New Year, adorned in exquisite Hanbok attire, while also exploring the world of K-dramas that have captured global audiences by depicting universal aspects of everyday life and societal challenges. Additionally, they showcased the variety and flavors of Korean cuisine, enticing participants with culinary delights deeply rooted in Korean historical significance. Highlighting the international influence of their cultural treasures, particularly culinary arts, in fostering social cohesion, a Korean student suggested, “We should introduce where these foods come from, and add some menus which are adaptable to foreigners and take part in some festivals to have a chance to spread our foods.”

In the gathering on the American side, students eagerly demonstrated facets of their cultural identity. From the pulse-racing enthusiasm surrounding American sports to the sleek and iconic allure of American muscle cars, the presentations resonated with the students’ pride in their legacy. They also illuminated the important role of the Thanksgiving practice in American cultural and historical narrative, contributing to a global collage and appreciation of the unique elements that shape American society. IVECA’s U.S. alumnus shared his insight, “Our cultures reflect the beauty and diversity of our countries. Seeing the uniqueness that our cultures bring to the table can allow us to create global change. Starting in our own communities, together we can grow our impact on a global scale aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

Through the Live Classes, students embraced diverse and similar cultures and felt the importance of international communications and mutual respect while preserving and valuing cultural legacies. An American student recognized differences in cuisine while acknowledging shared tastes in music and movies, “We wouldn’t be able to talk to people from other countries on any other platform. I learned [through IVECA] that we have some differences like with food, but we actually listen to a lot of the same music and watch the same movies.” These sessions underline diversity as a bridge towards a more cohesive and empathetic world community as students have laid the groundwork for a future where cultural treasures are not just explored but valued and integrated into a collective world story.

“It's great that we can exchange our culture and learn more about your culture. These virtual sessions promise to be an enriching experience, fostering cultural understanding and friendships that transcend borders. I'm looking forward to the chance to collaborate and learn from each other more,” said a Korean student reflecting on his semester-long experience.

#IVECA #InterculturalExchange #GlobalEducation #GlobalCitizenship #Cultures #VirtualExchange #21stCenturyEducation #VirtualExchange