One World, Many Voices: A Global Conversation Through IVECA

In their first IVECA activity, students from Cameroon, China, Colombia, Korea, Singapore, and the United States introduced themselves through text, images, and videos. Soon, even more countries will join, expanding this colorful mosaic of perspectives. What began as a simple introduction, saying who you are, quickly evolved into a rich lesson in language, identity, and empathy. Students practiced communication skills, compared daily life, and discovered shared values that will guide their upcoming Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) projects.

Each country’s introductions reflected both pride and excitement, revealing how young people express identity through culture and creativity. Cameroonian students described their homeland as “Africa in miniature.” One student proudly noted, “Cameroon is a place where everyone belongs; we speak many languages, but our hearts understand each other.” Chinese students painted vivid images of Jiangsu’s water towns and historical sites, blending ancient traditions with modern interests like digital design, rock music, and martial arts. As one student shared, “I’m really looking forward to learning more about you and exchanging thoughts about our cultures and interests.” Colombian and U.S. students found common ground through art, sports, food, and family, comparing their weekend routines and favorite meals, such as bandeja paisa. “I love sharing my culture and learning what life is like for students in other countries; it makes the world feel smaller and friendlier,” wrote one Colombian student. An American student echoed this spirit: “It’s amazing to see how much we have in common even though we live so far apart.” Their conversations radiated enthusiasm and openness, capturing the joy of discovery and the pride of representing one’s home.

Across all regions, students demonstrated genuine curiosity about one another’s worlds. They asked friendly and engaging questions such as “What time does your school start?”, “What are the most popular foods where you live?”, and “Do you celebrate similar festivals?” In one exchange, a student from Korea commented, “Your traditional dance looks so fun! It reminds me of our school festival,” while another from Singapore replied, “I’d love to visit your country one day, it looks so full of life!” These simple messages illuminated something powerful: beyond cultural differences, students were beginning to recognize themselves in one another’s stories. Their self-introductions formed a living tapestry of global youth identity, one that celebrated both individuality and connection, showing how curiosity can turn difference into understanding.

Through writing and interaction, students learned to communicate effectively and respectfully, focusing on ideas, kindness, and creativity rather than flawless grammar. More than a language exercise, this experience became a window into global belonging. As one participant reflected, “I feel like I’ve made friends from different parts of the world, not just learned about them.” This growing sense of connection embodies IVECA’s mission, transforming classrooms into spaces where cultural exchange builds empathy towards each other. Having experienced how their diverse perspectives can complement one another, students are ready to step forward as emerging global citizens eager to imagine a better, more connected, and sustainable world together.

#IVECA #GlobalCitizenship #InterculturalLearning #VirtualExchange #SDGs #YouthEmpowerment #CulturalExchange #GCED

Honoring Teachers on World Teachers’ Day: Catalysts of Global Citizens

Teachers inspire minds and open doors to new opportunities, and each year on October 5, the world pauses to celebrate their impact. This year’s theme, “Recasting teaching as a collaborative profession,” invites us to reflect not only on teachers’ individual contributions but also on how collective practice strengthens education everywhere. At IVECA, this vision resonates deeply, as collaboration across cultures and classrooms is at the heart of our mission.

We see teachers as more than facilitators of knowledge. They are guides who help students cross cultural boundaries, reflect on their own perspectives, and build respect for others. In virtual exchanges and classroom projects, it is teachers who make dialogue meaningful, encouraging students to ask not only what they are learning, but why it matters for the way they live with others.

To thrive, teachers need time to reflect, chances to learn new methods, and opportunities to connect with peers. UNESCO calls on governments, international partners, and communities to make sure teaching isn’t done in isolation, but alongside meaningful collaboration. In line with that call, IVECA provides ongoing professional development to help teachers explore intercultural learning, inclusive practices, and conflict-sensitive teaching. This approach enables them to address delicate and challenging issues respectfully, create trusting spaces for dialogue, and guide students in navigating differences constructively.

By fostering peer networks across regions, we ensure that educators can learn from each other, share challenges, and grow together. Our teachers share ideas across borders, adapt strategies to their classrooms, and support one another’s growth. When one teacher experiments with a new approach or helps a colleague develop, the impact reaches far beyond a single classroom, enriching the learning experiences of students everywhere. 

On this World Teachers’ Day, we express our deepest gratitude to all educators who dedicate themselves to opening minds, nurturing respect, and cultivating global perspectives. With IVECA’s commitment, we honor you not just today, but in every virtual discussion, classroom exchange, and student reflection.

#IVECA #InternationalVirtualSchooling #InterculturalCompetence #Teachers #WorldTeachersDay #GlobalCitizenship #GCED

Travel and Intercultural Learning: Nurturing Future Global Citizens

Travel is far more than the act of packing bags, making plans, and crossing borders to see new sights. Travel is also a powerful experience that connects people and broadens perspectives, deepening our understanding and appreciation of the world. This past week, students from Ghaziabad, India, visited their partners in Daegu, South Korea, experiencing the transformative value of travel–its ability to open hearts and minds.

After months of interacting virtually, the students were able to meet face-to-face, experiencing first-hand the friendships, cultural insights, and mutual respect that had developed during their virtual exchange through the IVECA program. Foundations for the successful visit were laid through their exploration and exchange of cultural values, innovative ideas, and thoughtful reflections throughout their semester online. Their week-long visit brings IVECA’s mission to life on a new scale, showing how intercultural learning prepares young people for meaningful encounters in today’s interconnected world.

During their week-long trip, concluding on World Tourism Day on September 27th, Indian students were guided by their Korean partners as they learned about their host country. Supported by the Daegu City Suseong District Office, the exciting visit was filled with both Korean traditional cultural experiences, including a tea ceremony and hanbok experiences, and day trips to historic locations. Students explored the city of Gyeongju, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Yangnyeong City Oriental Medicine Museum, as well as a medi-spa for skin and beauty treatments for which Korea is known worldwide. Indian students also shared their culture with their friends, enjoying nightly indulgences in Indian cuisine and dynamic performances of traditional Indian music and dance.

Recognizing the significant experiences travel creates, IVECA’s curriculum often weaves tourism and global citizenship education together, encouraging students to explore the cultural, ecological, and social dimensions of travel. Through their virtual exchanges, IVECA students consider how tourism can affect cultural diversity, the preservation of natural ecosystems, and cross-cultural relationships. 

By stepping into unfamiliar surroundings with curiosity, respect, and commitment to sustainability, just as the students participating in the physical exchange this past week, students begin to see themselves not only as tourists on a personal journey, but as global citizens whose actions and choices can directly contribute to celebrating humanity and preserving nature. Such experiences create opportunities for understanding and cooperation that extend far beyond the return date on our tickets. The journeys of young travelers illustrate how global citizenship education and intercultural understanding can pave the way towards shaping a more peaceful and sustainable future, one trip at a time.

#IVECA #InternationalVirtualSchooling #InterculturalCompetence #Travel #Tourism #GlobalCitizenship #GCED #WorldTourismDay