Due to globalization, the world is getting closer together than ever. It not only changes society on the big scale but also affects our daily lives. In universities, more and more students go abroad or come to Korea to experience different cultures. Kookmin University is no exception. To help Kookminians experience more cultural exchanges with international students, Review reached out to 'Prometheus,' the only club in our university that offers cultural exchange activities. The following is an edited transcript of the interview with the president of Prometheus, Jung Young-Hee (Dept. Business Administration, 3).


Could you introduce the club 'Prometheus' briefly?
Prometheus is a club that improves global communication by discussing different values with international students.


Who do you think is suitable for joining the club Prometheus?
Although foreign students come to Korea as exchange students, they may soon realize that there are not that many chances to use Korean. They often take English lectures and Korean students speak English in many cases. However, our club pursues culture exchange. Furthermore, anyone can be matched with others so that they can learn different languages; international students can learn Korean and Korean students can have a conversation in Chinese, English, Japanese or Russian as well. It's a win-win situation. International students who want to learn Korean and speak Korean are especially suitable for our club! In addition, foreign students can be immersed in Korean culture by getting together with Korean students, rather than by socializing only with international students during the semester. Korean students can have a great time listening to other students' stories while they indirectly experience foreign cultures.


What are the main activities of Prometheus?
 There are small group discussions on various topics, and we do some activities to share cultures. We often visit famous Korean restaurants and go bike riding along the Han River. There are around three to four off-campus activities. The best place we’ve ever gone to other than the Han River and Korean restaurants is Chuncheon. In Chuncheon, we did bungee jumping, survival games and so forth. Those who want to learn Korean or a second language can participate in a language exchange program after submitting an application.

What makes Prometheus different and unique among other clubs?
The thing is, as you know, members can spend time with students who are from other countries. When we hang out together in Prometheus, interesting things happen often since we have lived in different countries and have different kinds of lifestyles. Moreover, unlike Korean clubs and academies, we try to experience cultural living which can inform and teach about Korea, such as seeing play or going on a picnic.


What is the most impressive episode when you were in Prometheus?
Last semester, there were overseas students with extremely diverse nationalities; students from Russia, China, Japan and Indonesia. One day, we were having conversations after a meal. I happened to notice that we were talking joyfully and naturally in English, Japanese, and of course, Korean. At the moment I felt strange since I was talking in English or Korean with friends who were the same age. In fact, I’ve only been to China and Japan. In addition, sometimes I get surprised at cultural differences. Last year, one Muslim friend prayed every hour in the club activity room. The first time when she prayed, I felt very amazed.


What would you like to say to students who are thinking of participating Prometheus?
There's no reason to hesitate. I hope you can come to our club confidently and think of it as a comfortable place to be. Once joining our club, you will find that you can encounter more than just learning languages, but that you will experience a cultural exchange that will change your life.

Prometheus
Location: Student Union 234