CWNU Opens a Gateway to International Experiences

In the rapidly evolving global era, 'global competency' is no longer an option but a necessity in all fields, including education, careers, and culture. Particularly, the global experiences gained during university years serve as a crucial foundation for academic growth and future planning, going beyond mere resume building.

In line with this trend, CWNU is offering various programs to enhance students' global competencies. The Office of Student Affairs supports students in gaining firsthand experiences of the world through overseas volunteer work and cultural exploration trips, while the International Affairs & Education Center provides opportunities for deeper global experiences, including exchange programs, one-to-one programs, language studies, major- specific study groups for international students, International Summer Camps, and major- related overseas explorations.

This semester, The Campus Journal will support the global challenges of CWNU students by publishing four special feature articles. We will meet students who participated in the diverse foreign programs offered by the university and share their vivid experiences and passionate stories. The first article will introduce the experiences of students who gained valuable insights through overseas volunteer work and cultural exploration trips.

Healing Beyond Borders: A Nursing Student's Impactful Volunteer Experience

▲ Students participated in educational volunteer work with local children (Source: Provided by Cheon Min-ji)

Cheon Min- ji, a Nursing Student of CWNU has had a dream since childhood: to engage in overseas volunteer work. She has had a strong desire to become a professional nurse, providing medical support to those in need and healing the wounds of those who are suffering. The overseas volunteer program at CWNU became a precious first step towards that dream. "I believed that this program would not only bring me closer to my goal, but also provide an opportunity for personal growth through various challenges," she said. With excitement and anticipation, Min- ji participated in the overseas volunteer program, where she spent an unforgettable 9 days and 7 nights in Vietnam, gaining invaluable experiences.

After arriving in Vietnam, Min- ji had a two- day adaptation period. During this time, she learned basic Vietnamese and explored the village, broadening her understanding of Vietnamese culture and life. The actual volunteer activities began with health education for students with hearing impairments. Min- ji utilized the lesson materials she had prepared in advance to conduct engaging classes tailored to the children's level, such as making the Korean flag out of soap and teaching dental hygiene using paper gum models. She reflected, "While teaching the children about brushing their teeth, I realized that I should become a nurse who not only treats illnesses, but also focuses on prevention and health promotion."

She also dedicated her time to improving the school environment. With the hope that students could spend their time in a brighter setting, Min- ji dedicated herself to painting murals, contributing her small touch to create a vibrant atmosphere within the school.

The most memorable moment during her volunteer activities was when she felt the warm hearts of the children. "After class, when the kids ran up to me with smiles, hugged me, and expressed their gratitude in sign language, I was deeply moved. Although communication was challenging, I felt that sincerity transcends words."

Of course, there were challenges as well. The sight of children struggling to survive in harsh conditions deeply saddened Min- ji. In particular, witnessing children who were so emaciated from long- term hunger that their bones were visible, rummaging through piles of garbage to find food, had a profound impact on her. "I realized that food we carelessly leave behind could be a desperate source of nutrition for someone else. This made me appreciate the value of small things in life once again, and I resolved to live with more gratitude."

At first, Min- ji was afraid of communicating with unfamiliar foreigners, but through her overseas volunteer experience, her heart opened wide. The interactions with the warm- hearted Vietnamese who welcomed the volunteer team were particularly unforgettable. She said, "I was moved by the way they recommended milder foods for team members who couldn't adapt to unfamiliar dishes and kindly explained the Vietnamese culture." Thanks to the locals' consideration, Min- ji was able to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and feel a sense of warmth. Now, she expresses a desire to meet people from even more diverse cultures.

The time spent with fellow volunteers also became a cherished memory. "Even though we were strangers at first, we created unforgettable memories by trusting and relying on each other in challenging situations. It was a great fortune to interact with people from various fields and broaden my knowledge. I want to share the warmth I have received in Vietnam with my loved ones," she expressed.

From Theory to Reality: An International Relations Student's Cultural Exploration

Lee Sou- hyeon, a student of International Relations at CWNU had to put her dream of studying abroad on hold due to COVID- 19. However, instead of feeling discouraged, she found a new opportunity. Through the overseas cultural exploration program at CWNU, she was finally able to go to the States she had long dreamed of. "It was truly disappointing to have to give up on my bucket list goal of studying abroad during my college life. However, I felt a new sense of excitement when I could join the cultural exploration program, thanks to a friend's suggestion.”

Sou- hyeon had a wealth of theoretical knowledge about various countries, including the States, due to her major in International Relations. However, she was very curious about how these countries actually work and how they relate to her field of study. In particular, for someone like her who dreams of working in the trade sector, the work environment and actual processes of multinational and overseas companies were of even greater interest.

During the 10-day journey, Sou- hyeon explored San Francisco and Los Angeles, accumulating a rich array of experiences. By visiting famous tourist spots like Union Square and the Ferry Building, she was able to closely observe the lives of locals. In addition, listening to the vivid stories of professionals working at global companies such as Google, Intel, Amazon, and Skechers, helped her nurture her dreams for the future. In particular, the interview with a Google engineer left a lasting impression on her. "It was a valuable opportunity to gain specific information about working for overseas companies. I gained confidence that I can turn my vaguely envisioned dream into reality," she reflected.

▲ Students visited the Google headquarters in San Francisco

This experience has greatly enhanced Sou- hyeon's confidence in her career path and helped her develop global competencies. She shared, "I was able to set specific goals for my career in the retail industry that I had only vaguely considered before, and I gained confidence in my English skills. Additionally, through the travel preparation process, I developed problem- solving abilities and independence. My perspective on understanding different cultures has broadened, and communicating with foreigners is no longer a source of fear for me."

However, encountering unfamiliar cultures brought both excitement and challenges. "The reality of America was different from what I had seen in movies. Seeing homeless people and drug addicts made me realize the seriousness of social issues, and it was shocking to find that I couldn't walk around safely late at night," she reflected.

Unexpected situations also arose. She sometimes got lost in unfamiliar surroundings or faced communication difficulties. However, these experiences gifted her a broader and deeper perspective on the world. "I realized that what I know is not everything. Moving forward, I will strive to view and understand the world with a wider lens," she said.

Not only did Sou- hyeon experience academic growth, but the memories she created with her friends became even more special. "Every moment remains a precious memory: my friend getting soaked by the waves at the beach, shivering from the cold on the Golden Gate Bridge, and even the time we helped a friend who almost got scammed by a foreigner," she recounted. Facing unexpected situations together deepened her friendship. "The moments that would have been difficult alone were made easier and more enjoyable thanks to my friends. It was a trip that was both fun and meaningful because we were together."

Finding 'Myself' in an Unfamiliar Place

Experiences gained in unfamiliar environments and among new people can sometimes be frightening and challenging, but within those experiences, we encounter a larger world and continue to develop. The stories of Min- ji and Sou- hyeon vividly illustrate the value of such 'challenges.'

Sou- hyeon emphasized the importance of "building various experiences with a positive mindset," and advised actively seeking opportunities to encounter different cultures, not only abroad, but also within the school. Min- ji echoed this sentiment, stating that, "overseas volunteer work is a precious opportunity to meet a new world and grow into a greater version of myself," encouraging younger students to embrace courageous challenges. The stories of these two students resonate deeply, reminding us of the significance of challenges and the invaluable experiences we can gain through them.

By Jung-hyun, editor-in-chief  jhgongju0903@gmail.com

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