A Winter of Shared Learning and Global Friendship

Winter is often seen as a quiet season, but for IVECA students, it became a time of connection, discovery, and shared growth. Across countries and cultures, middle and high school students came together to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and build meaningful relationships. As one student beautifully expressed, “Even though we come from different places, we are all connected. I really love learning about other cultures and perspectives because it helps me connect better with people from different countries.” This sense of connection became the foundation of the winter activities.

Through the Winter Camp, students from Korea, Singapore and Cameroon engaged with global issues and reflected on how knowledge and responsibility come together in today’s world. While exploring the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in society, students shared ideas, asked questions, and learned to think critically about the impact of technology on people and communities. As another student observed, “AI is helpful, but it also teaches us to think and solve problems together, not just rely on machines.” These moments emphasized collaboration and dialogue, reminding students that the usage of AI for Good can be strengthened when ideas are shared across borders.

Alongside this, the Winter Exchange has continued a longer journey that began in the fall semester, allowing friendships to deepen through sustained interaction. Centered on the theme of teenage culture, the exchange encouraged students from Korea and Singapore to share stories about their daily lives, school routines, hobbies, and social trends shaping youth today. By discussing both the positive and challenging aspects of teenage culture, students reflected on how young people can build healthier, more respectful, and more sustainable cultural trends together. As one student shared, “Meeting friends from different countries makes learning more meaningful and inspires me to see the world differently.” Through these conversations, curiosity gradually turned into understanding, and cultural differences became opportunities for learning rather than barriers.

As students learned from one another, cultural understanding became a lived experience rather than a concept. From Winter Camp, students developed empathy and awareness for the AI challenges and its better solutions for Good. Through the Winter Exchange, students accumulated a greater appreciation for diverse lifestyles and values. Many reflected on the importance of respect and communication in a global society, realizing that meaningful connection begins with understanding others.

Through these shared experiences, the Winter Camp and Winter Exchange reveal the true purpose of global education. Beyond knowledge and skills, students developed a sense of global citizenship, seeing themselves as part of a connected world where friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding play a central role in shaping a more inclusive and shared future.

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