제 30 호 Sangmyung University’s Summer Mongolia Volunteer Program Begins Its Journey Toward Global Sharing
Kicker: SM NEWS
Sangmyung University’s
Summer Mongolia Volunteer Program
Begins Its Journey Toward Global Sharing
By Ji-Won Choi, reporter
그림1 Pre-Departure Training for the Mongolia Volunteer Program
During the summer break, students from Sangmyung University are preparing to embark on a meaningful journey of global sharing and cultural exchange. The university’s overseas volunteer team will carry out its summer volunteer program in Ulaanbaatar from June 23 to July 4. Students from both the Seoul and Cheonan campuses will participate together, offering educational, health, and cultural exchange programs for local elementary school students. This program goes beyond simple volunteer work. It is designed as an integrated international service project in which students communicate with the local community through lessons and hands-on activities that they have planned themselves. The volunteers are preparing a wide range of programs, including Korean language lessons, hygiene and health education, traditional games, and cultural activities. Through these efforts, they hope to provide local children with valuable learning experiences and meaningful cultural exchange opportunities.
Preparation for Diverse Educational Programs
그림 1Lesson plan presentation and feedback session
This summer overseas volunteer program is organized into several teams—including hygiene, cultural exchange, Korean language education, food and nutrition, physical education, and environmental education—to enhance educational effectiveness. Each team is designing activity-based lessons tailored to the interests and understanding levels of local students.
The hygiene team is preparing activities that promote daily health habits, such as making DIY air purifiers, creating insect repellent, and conducting handwashing education games. The cultural exchange team has developed programs that allow students to experience Korean culture naturally, including making balsam flower nail dye and traditional paper lanterns. In addition, the Korean language education team focuses on increasing students’ interest in language learning through activities such as K-pop lyric lessons and learning how to create Korean names. Other teams are also expanding the educational content: the food and nutrition team is preparing activities to help students understand basic concepts of food and nutrition; the physical education team is organizing interactive games such as “Charades”; and the environmental team is planning recycling-based games using bottle caps to raise environmental awareness.
Meanwhile, the volunteer group holds weekly meetings to develop lesson plans and continuously improve the program through presentations and feedback sessions. They are also working on budget planning and operational reviews to ensure a well-structured volunteer program tailored to local conditions.
A volunteer student said, “I am a bit worried about whether I will be able to effectively teach children in Mongolia, where we do not share the same language. However, I am also excited and looking forward to communicating and engaging in cultural exchange with the local students. I believe it will be a meaningful experience.” This summer overseas volunteer program focuses on strengthening mutual exchange with local students through educational activities planned and prepared by the students themselves. It is expected to go beyond a one-time volunteer service and operate as an integrated international exchange program combining education, culture, and healthcare.
Sangmyung University’s overseas volunteer program has established itself as an international social contribution activity that goes beyond simple volunteer work by integrating education, healthcare, and cultural exchange. Students are preparing various educational activities based on communication with local students, while developing their competencies as global citizens. This summer volunteer activity is expected to be a meaningful time to practice the values of sharing and exchange.
Source:
https://www.segye.com/newsView/20260123512654
