▲An event organized by the Global Symbiosis Project Team at Kookmin University

On Saturday, April 4, the HUSS Global Symbiosis Project Team at Kookmin University (President Jeong Seung Ryul) successfully hosted the “Sustainable Global Symbiosis Program,” inviting students from two schools affiliated with Democracy Prep in New York City: Bronx Prep High School and Democracy Prep Endurance High School.

This program was part of the international educational exchange activities promoted by Kookmin University’s HUSS Global Symbiosis Project Team and was designed as a global service-learning program that integrates Korean language and culture education for foreign residents and visitors in Korea. Through this program, participants were able to broaden their understanding of the Korean language and culture and experience the value of mutual cooperation and communication.

Twenty-four students from the two high schools participated in the program. They teamed up with student supporters from Kookmin University’s Global Coexistence Project Team to complete “Amazing Race”-style missions in downtown Seoul. Starting from Kookmin University, each team used public transportation to explore the areas around Insadong, Cheonggyecheon, Gwanghwamun, and Gyeongbokgung Palace according to specified conditions and routes.

Aiming to visit the most locations within a three-hour time limit, the students devised team strategies for their movements. During this process, they also participated in activities such as purchasing and tasting traditional Korean snacks and taking photos as proof of their visits. This program went beyond simple sightseeing; it was designed as an educational activity where participants communicated in Korean, solved problems on the spot, and directly experienced both Korean urban and traditional culture.

The active participation of Kookmin University student supporters was particularly notable during this event. Prior to the program, the student supporters thoroughly familiarized themselves with the mission details and itinerary, and supported the team activities to ensure the American high school students could participate comfortably even in an unfamiliar environment. Through this process, students from both countries adjusted their routes together, completed tasks, and gained collaborative experiences that transcended language and culture. In particular, the student supporters went beyond the role of mere guides; as peers leading team collaboration and as facilitators of cultural exchange, they further enhanced the educational significance of the international exchange activity.

The American high school students who participated in the program shared that visiting Seoul’s major landmarks firsthand allowed them to gain a more vivid understanding of Korean history and everyday culture. Kookmin University’s student supporters also noted that they were able to develop global citizenship skills and intercultural communication abilities while solving tasks alongside their foreign peers.

Lee Dong-Eun, Deputy Director of the HUSS Global Coexistence Project Team (Professor, Department of Korean Language and Literature, Kookmin University), who oversaw the program, said, “This program is highly significant as a hands-on international exchange program where Korean and American teenagers and college students communicate and collaborate through the medium of the Korean language and culture.” He added, “I hope the participating students gained an educational experience that allowed them to internalize the values of global coexistence through the process of making their own judgments, moving around, and solving tasks within the given conditions.” He continued, “In particular, the responsible participation and sincere attitude toward exchange demonstrated by the Kookmin University student supporters further enhanced the success of this program.” He added, “Moving forward, we plan to continuously expand student-participatory international exchange programs based on partnerships with overseas educational institutions, and strive to cultivate global talent dedicated to mutual understanding, cooperation, sustainability, and the establishment of a peaceful global community.”

Meanwhile, the HUSS Global Coexistence Consortium has been operating for three years starting in 2024 with support from the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea, in collaboration with Kwangwoon University, Kookmin University, Sunmoon University, Yeungnam University, and Honam University. The consortium is promoting various educational and international exchange programs with the goal of fostering convergent talent equipped with the ability to respond to sustainable resources, understand sustainable industries, and embrace a sustainable international society.