Brazil and Korea: New Partners for the Future

“Olá, amigos!” “Annyeonghaseyo!” Cheerful greetings rang out as the Live Class between Brazilian and South Korean high school students began on June 13th. The genuine excitement was palpable as the students who had been building virtual friendships over the last couple of months finally came face to face, eager to share their research and presentations with one another. Being first-term participants in the IVECA exchange, the Brazilian teachers and students were brimming with bright smiles and fresh ideas to share with their partners.

Starting in May, the students had been communicating through IVECA’s virtual classroom platform, exchanging interests, cultural insights, curiosities, and their anticipation for the activities to come. Engaging in the exchange, students were enhancing intercultural understanding and building what can become life-long friendships.  Through role-playing and critical thinking, students explored multi-stakeholder partnerships for change. By exploring the different responsibilities of society members such as students, educators, business owners, non-profit organizers, government leaders and members of the United Nations, students bridged gaps not only between countries but also various sectors of society.

Korean students kickstarted the exchange of partnership propositions with each group describing their goals as multi-stakeholders. Emphasizing the importance of multilateral action, one group proposed the United Nations take greater strides to listen to and interact with students around the world. Students shared that the UN’s local presence in countries such as Korea could be enhanced by implementing programs that enable student insights to be shared directly with their Ambassadors. Additionally, Korean students also highlighted the need for concerted efforts started within their local communities in order to create greater changes, particularly in relation to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #1: No Poverty. As one group shared through their role-play, “We must engage students through education to foster their interest in poverty and its impact. By doing so, we can lay the foundation for addressing poverty issues in the future.” 

Brazilian students also focused on the vital need for cooperation between multi-stakeholders throughout their country in order to achieve the UN SDGs. Narrowing in on the urgency of climate change and environmental pollution and degradation, the students shared critical insights with their partners. Acting as members of the infrastructure, farming and industrial industries throughout the nation, students pointed out the humanitarian consequences of climate change around the country, specifically following the recent, tragic flood in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Reflecting on the dramatic impact of the flood, they emphasized that true, preventative changes begin with improved, greener education. The students wisely advised that while longer-lasting improvements are being implemented, countries should take immediate actions such as improving accessibility to virtual education, local education material donations to schools, and sharing access to educational institutions. Touching on the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships and the ultimate achievement of SDG #17, Partnerships for the Goals, one Brazilian student brilliantly stated, “With coordinated efforts and well-planned strategies, we can build a more resilient and secure future for all.” 

Following an engaging discussion session, students shared inspiring and exciting cultural performances. Brazilian students shared a powerful battle cry, performed live by a group of students in one of Brazil’s indigenous languages, Tupi-Guarani. The chant was introduced by one of their teachers. “This chant is a symbol of strength, struggle, team spirit and bravery,” he explained. Echoing their partners’ strength and resilience, Korean students performed a striking Tae Kwon Do routine. Their efforts gave their partners an impressive glimpse into an integral part of their national identity. Cultural performances help immerse students in their partners' daily lives, traditions and histories, and remind them of the significance of preserving and sharing cultures with one another.

Wrapping up the joyous Live Class, students shared their bittersweet farewells with one another, celebrating their growing global friendships and newfound knowledge. “This experience has been extremely rewarding,“ Brazilian students noted, “The collaboration and interactions between the students from Brazil and South Korea have fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of our diverse cultures. It has been a privilege to engage with you all and to witness the beautiful exchange of knowledge and perspectives.” The sentiment also was expressed by their Korean counterparts who summed up their shared experience, “Although it was a very short time, what we have shared with you will be unforgettable.”Their exchange was only a semester long; however, the students from Brazil and Korea are sure to remember and reflect on their exchange for many years to come, carrying with them the wisdom and awareness they gained from their partners, with the hope they may meet again one day.

#IVECA #LiveClass #21stCenturyEducation #InterculturalExchange #VirtualClassroom #NewPartnershipsForChange #BrighterFuture

Bridging Cultures: A Virtual Exchange between Indian and Chinese Students

In a virtual gathering that bridged the geographical divide, students from India and their partners from China came together on June 14th for an interactive Live Class session. This digital meeting provided a platform for these young minds to engage in a meaningful exchange, sharing their perspectives on the cherished traditions that shape the cultural identities of their respective home countries.

The presentations by the Indian students examined the diverse aspects of India's rich cultural heritage. From the vibrant culinary traditions, showcasing beloved dishes like Pani Puri and Dal Chawal, to the elegance of traditional attire such as the Sherwani and Lehenga, students elucidated how these elements have not only shaped the lifestyles of Indians but have also gained global recognition and popularity. Indian students further explored the significance of India's vibrant festivals, including Diwali and Holi, as well as the influential role of Indian cinema, known as Bollywood, in promoting the country's values and narratives on the world stage.

During their presentations, Indian students also emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting India's cultural legacy, recognizing its power to shape community identity, foster resilience, and enhance global understanding. They showcased the diverse artistic expressions of India, from the captivating classical music traditions to the architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal, and the enduring oral traditions, such as the epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The presentation also highlighted the Indian government's efforts to align national development with the Sustainable Development Goals, leveraging the country's rich cultural heritage to address social, economic, and environmental challenges, further solidifying India's global influence and relevance.

Chinese students' presentations explored the vibrant elements of China's culture. They discussed Chinese cuisine, underscoring the nation's deep appreciation for food with the saying, "Food is the priority for the people." The presentation emphasized the renowned harmony of color, aroma, and taste, and focused on fresh ingredients and delicate flavors. Furthermore, they dedicated a segment to China's famous, healthy, and charming tea, examining its cultural significance and widespread popularity.

In addition to Chinese cuisine, the students presented traditional festivals, with a particular focus on the Spring Festival, the prime festival in China, marking the New Year. Celebrated globally, these festivals provide families with opportunities to gather and appreciate history, playing a crucial role in promoting and preserving Chinese culture. Furthermore, students discussed the global influence of Chinese clothing, particularly traditional attire such as the Tang suit and Qipao. They found attires incorporating Chinese traditional features like dragons, phoenixes, and blue and white porcelain in various designs globally. These motifs are also present in many fashion collections and runway shows, cherishing the aesthetic and cultural appeal of Chinese design elements. 

The virtual exchange enabled Indian and Chinese students to share their keen interest and pride in their culture and history, stressing the importance of protecting and respecting it to maintain human cultural diversity and creativity. Their Live Class was a resounding success, allowing these young minds to forge lasting connections and deepen their understanding of each other’s remarkable cultural heritage. “Your warmth, enthusiasm, and unique perspectives have left a lasting impact on us. Though we may part ways, the friendships and knowledge we've gained will remain with us forever,” concluded an Indian student, reflecting on her semester-long experience.

#IVECA #GCED #VirtualExchange #LiveClass #GlobalFriendship

Paving the Way for Seamless Live Classes

Throughout the semester, teachers in the IVECA program collaborate virtually and prepare for the upcoming Live Classes, dynamic, cross-cultural learning sessions that provide students with the opportunity to connect face-to-face. Building upon their virtual exchange over the preceding months and showcasing their project-based work from the IVECA program, students engage in lively discussions. While organizing these interactive virtual events requires coordination, the collaborative efforts of teachers make them seamless and culturally immersive. 

As part of IVECA's comprehensive preparation, Test Sessions are held to bring the participating teachers together before the Live Classes begin. These preliminary meetings enhance teachers’ confidence in their facilitative roles and more effectively foster cross-cultural exchanges.

This spring, teachers from Brazil, Colombia, and Taiwan joined for the first time. Returning schools from China, India, Korea and Nepal reaffirmed their commitment to cultivating global citizenship, further cementing their roles as creative and proactive global citizens. Teachers recently gathered online for the preparatory test sessions, approaching them with passion and appreciation for the transformative nature of their upcoming interactive classes. One Brazilian teacher expressed that the test session left him feeling more comfortable and better prepared.

Test Sessions offer a platform for teachers to thoughtfully plan the flow of the Live Classes. This includes assigning specific roles, such as which groups will present and when, and strategizing the use of discussion questions to promote interculturally enriching dialogue. The IVECA team also works closely with the schools to address any technical needs and provide guidance on best practices. By tackling potential technical considerations in advance, teachers can focus on delivering a high-quality learning experience for their students. 

By thoroughly planning every aspect of the IVECA Live Classes, from scheduling and room setup to content delivery and technical troubleshooting, teachers are poised to deliver a transformative virtual learning experience that transcends geographic boundaries and fosters meaningful international connections. This holistic approach to preparation ensures that the live sessions run smoothly and effectively, creating lasting impacts on the participating students.

#IVECA #InterculturalCompetence #GlobalCitizenship #TeachersAcrossBorders #VirtualExchange