Middle and high school students from Colombia have participated in the IVECA program, marking a significant milestone in the school's history. The IVECA program, well-known for fostering global connections and cultural understanding among students, provided these young Colombian learners with an unprecedented opportunity to interact with peers from another continent. Over the semester, the students engaged in various educational activities designed to broaden their perspectives on global issues and enhance their intercultural understanding. Their culminating live gatherings in July not only solidified the friendships they had formed but also allowed them to experience firsthand cultural diversity and the strength of global cooperation.
The programs concluded with the highly anticipated Live Classes, where the Colombian students met virtually with their counterparts from South Korea. This interactive session served as a capstone to their collaborative learning journey. Middle school students focused on the theme, “Becoming Global Citizens,” who value their own heritage and respect the lives of others. They shared presentations that offered a glimpse into their everyday lives, providing Korean friends with a rich perspective of cultural insights. Highlighting traditional foods from Colombia, students created a menu taking into account the diverse ingredients their landscape has to offer, such as coffee beans, corn, and avocado. Conversely, Korean students shared a favorite meal consisting of chicken, rice, and soy sauce. Through these exchanges, the students celebrated the uniqueness of their daily routines while fostering a deeper appreciation for their Korean peers’ way of life.
High school students took on the more complex issues of "Globalization and Sustainability." Their presentations highlighted critical challenges facing Colombia related to SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production. They explained how certain Colombian traditions such as the Carnival of Barranquilla, while cherished, are having detrimental effects on the environment due to littering of decorations. Additionally, Korean partners tackled the pervasive issue of greenwashing, where companies falsely market products as environmentally friendly. A solution presented by students included a QR system for the environmental certification of popular products. These presentations not only underscored the importance of sustainable practices but also ignited meaningful discussions on how both countries could collaborate on environmental issues.
The success of this first-time participation has left a lasting impression on both the students and educators involved. The Colombian school community has expressed immense pride in their students' achievements and looks forward to continuing their partnership with IVECA. As stated by a Colombian teacher, “This has been the first experience for us of a cultural interchange. Overall, we have learned a lot about Korea, its culture and traditions, and how different we are. There are many things to continue learning and borders to cross to become global citizens. But thanks to online interactions, we are closer than ever.” This experience has not only enriched the students' educational journey but has also opened doors to future international collaborations, fostering a generation of young global leaders committed to making a positive impact on the world.