Yeungnam University partnered with Gyeongsangbuk-do to host the ‘2023 Global Youth Cultural Experience Camp’ for foreign youths. This camp took place from July 17th to 23rd. Approximately 50 foreign youths visited various cities within Gyeongsangbuk-do. They engaged in cultural experiences, including K-pop performances and traditional coming-of-age ceremonies at the YU campus. Let’s delve deeper into the Global Youth Cultural Experience Camp by interviewing Professor Lee Mi-hyang, who supervised the program.
Q1. Why do you believe the Department of Global Education at YU played a leading role in organizing this camp?
YU boasts numerous experts with extensive experience in running Korean language education and Korean culture education programs. Moreover, experiential education programs demand significant expertise and competency, an area where YU’s Korean language education majors excel.
Q2. How do you perceive the distinction between this camp and other Korean Cultural Experience programs?
This camp aimed to balance meeting participants’ needs and fulfilling program objectives. Additionally, we optimally utilized the facilities and environment of the YU campus. In essence, this camp sought to leverage all of YU’s capabilities.
Q3. Can YU’s Korean students participate in this camp and interact with foreign youths?
Certainly, for K-pop performance classes attended by foreign youths, students from the dance club participated as instructors. Likewise, students majoring in Korean Music were involved in the gugak performances. Both the program staff and students interested in international programs took part. Moreover, international students could join as interpreter staff.
Q4. What left the most lasting impression on you during this camp?
While visiting the Pohang Sea, participants from inland provinces expressed something remarkable. They said, “This is the first time I’ve ever seen the sea.” Witnessing how the Korean Sea left such a profound and special memory for them was truly moving.
Q5. Finally, is there a message you would like to convey to YU students?
Engaging in international exchange experiences broadens our horizons and enriches our lives. Furthermore, these experiences can offer new directions in life. I am confident that active participation in international exchange programs like these will lay the foundation for personal growth.
