On December 3rd, a virtual meeting session brought together students from Connecticut, the United States, and Daejeon, Korea, in an enriching exploration of ancient civilizations and their impact on our modern world. This special session beautifully combined academic inquiry with cultural exchange. Students presented the groundbreaking innovations and cultural richness of ancient societies and connected these achievements to the foundations of today's world, making it a truly transformative and memorable cross-cultural learning experience.
Students from Korea and the United States explored the rich histories and legacies of ancient civilizations. Korean students began with Mesopotamia, the "cradle of civilization," highlighting innovations like cuneiform, the wheel, and legal systems that laid the groundwork for modern communication, transportation, and governance. They then examined Gojoseon, whose values of harmony and community still influence Korean culture, and Ancient Egypt, whose engineering and agricultural practices inspire modern construction and sustainability. Finally, Ancient Greece's contributions to democracy, philosophy, and art remain central to modern political and educational systems. These presentations emphasized how ancient innovations continue to shape the world today.
U.S. students explored Ancient Rome's engineering feats, like roads that inspired modern infrastructure, and the Persian Empire's governance model, which laid the foundation for contemporary administrative systems. They highlighted Ancient China's innovations, including paper-making and gunpowder, which revolutionized information sharing and technology. Returning to Ancient Egypt, they illustrated its advanced irrigation and architecture, which continue to influence modern practices. Their presentations drew clear connections between these ancient achievements and their enduring impact on modern society.
The session then went beyond academics, evolving into a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange. Students from both nations shared performances that beautifully reflected their unique traditions, fostering a deep sense of unity and mutual appreciation. U.S. students featured a talented school band playing Holiday Dance, an enchanting piece brought to life through an ensemble of instruments, including drums, cello, and xylophone. The Korean students responded with an impressive guitar and flute performance, accompanied by a colorful and energetic dance performed by their school’s dance club.
Reflecting on the experience, a student from the USA shared, “We all loved sharing our interests and receiving responses through the lens of people from across the globe. This experience has helped us grow our understanding of the world and helped us grasp how different and similar our cultures are!” A Korean student echoed this sentiment, adding, “I found it interesting to be able to experience a small international community for a semester. I was able to understand each other by listening to self-introductions and introducing myself, and to explore civilization deeply as I prepared for the presentation with my group friends.”
Initiated through this virtual collaboration, students exchanged cultural boxes, mailing symbolic items from their cultures to one another. By adding a personal dimension to the exploration of ancient civilizations, this global learning fostered students’ appreciation for cultural connections and helped them build meaningful friendships, echoing the collaborative spirit and continuing influence of ancient societies.