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.