From Medellín to Incheon: Students Share Local Life and Eco-Habits

IVECA students from Colombia and South Korea participated in Live Class this week, joining from opposite sides of the world on June 12 to take part in a session that brought their two-month collaboration to life. Under the theme “Our City and Our Habits: Welcome to Our City!”, students from Medellín and Incheon explored and compared their hometowns, daily habits, and shared values. The virtual meeting gave students a chance to present their findings, celebrate common ground, and reflect on life in different parts of the world.

South Korean students presented key landmarks in their cities, such as Cheongna Lake Park, Central Park in Songdo, and the Shrimp Tower in Soraepogu Port. As one group noted, their town “is known for a modern style hotel called ‘Inspire,’” which includes a stadium and a waterpark where visitors go mostly to relax. Another team proudly highlighted Rodeo Street as “the most famous and festive place in our town,” filled with cafes and restaurants where locals gather to socialize.

Students from Colombia offered a vibrant portrait of Medellín. From the colorful street art of Comuna 13 and bold sculptures in Plaza Botero to the exciting nightlife of Provenza. Students painted the city's cultural richness and resilience through detailed presentations. “Medellín is a very popular city in Colombia,” one group explained, “characterized by its technological innovation, commitment to the environment, and its surprising social transformation.”

One of the most inspiring aspects of the exchange was the shared commitment to environmental awareness and sustainable daily habits. Korean students introduced actionable everyday practices such as using reusable containers for food delivery, turning off unused lights to save energy, and “plogging”—a combination of jogging and picking up litter, which they described as a simple and fun way to exercise while protecting the environment. Colombian students echoed these values, emphasizing recycling, using public transportation to reduce pollution, and cleaning up their surroundings. They also stressed the importance of respecting flora and fauna by using water wisely and ensuring that garbage is properly disposed of.

Despite the physical distance between them, students expressed genuine curiosity about each other’s cities and a desire to meet in person one day. As one Korean team shared, “We hope you can visit our town someday, so you can experience the unique lifestyles and cultures of our towns in Incheon, Korea.” Likewise, their Colombian peers warmly invited them to Medellín, saying, “Come visit Medellín, we’ll be waiting for you with open arms to get to know all that Medellín has to offer.”

The session embodied IVECA’s mission to connect students globally through meaningful, cross-cultural exchange, sharing their shared vision of sustainable, connected living. As the Korean school principal noted, “Your projects showed that even though we live in different cities and countries, we all care about the same things — our planet, our future, and each other.”

#IVECA #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #SDGs #LocalHabits #GlobalImpact #LiveClass #GlobalCitizenshipEducation #CulturalExchange #

Business with a Purpose: Student-Led AI for Sustainability

Two classes of high school students from China and South Korea engaged in a virtual collaboration exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to support sustainable product distribution and consumption. While working asynchronously across borders and time zones, the students researched and developed projects that applied AI to real-world environmental challenges, calling attention to the impact individual choices can have. Their semester-long efforts culminated in an exciting Live Class session, where students presented their final presentations to one another.

South Korean students focused on designing sustainable business concepts supported by AI by creating four websites dedicated to locally made foods. One team proposed using barley in various ways as an alternative to wheat and rice, highlighting its incredible environmental benefits. “By purchasing 10 kilograms of barley, you would save 11,090 liters of water,” one student stated. Another group developed a rice cake business with emphasis on their sustainable wax paper packaging, aiming to reduce waste through AI-optimized supply chains. A third team conceptualized a dried seafood retailer, spotlighting reduced carbon footprints and regional sustainability. The final team of South Korean students developed a website for their locally-sourced salt retailer, providing a natural option for health- and eco-conscious patrons. The Korean students as a whole underscored the pivotal role that AI plays in ensuring businesses (especially those that are locally owned) can easily and responsibly manage waste, emissions and environmental circularity. As one student concluded, “AI helps us see how much product we need to make, and how we can help the earth and protect nature at the same time.”

Meanwhile, students in China turned their attention to raising awareness and inspiring innovation. One group summarized the collective efforts well with the statement, “Food waste is the biggest crime", underscoring the shared focus of several presentations that supported the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals #2: Zero Hunger and #12: Responsible Consumption and Production. These student groups explored how AI could raise awareness and reduce waste, proposing solutions such as systems that track consumer purchases and recommend eco-friendly alternatives, and AI-integrated QR codes to help users better understand sustainability labels. Another group explored how popular applications using AI can help identify the environmental impacts of daily purchases and help shoppers make more eco-conscious choices online. Inspired by their own experiences, one group envisioned AI-integrated shopping platforms that highlight greener alternatives in real time, sharing, “Younger consumers driving market change, forcing companies to launch circular services like leasing and trade-in programs.”

Although their approaches varied, the students in both countries shared a common goal: using AI technology to support a healthier planet and encourage responsible consumer choices. Through this cross-cultural experience, they not only deepened their understanding of sustainability and the impact of artificial intelligence, but also strengthened their communication and collaboration skills. The project served as a meaningful example of how young people can come together across borders to imagine a smarter, greener future. As one student from Korea reflected, “Working on solutions for sustainability and sharing different perspectives with you was not only educational but also very inspiring.  Even though we live in different countries and speak different languages, I realized that we all care about building a better future together.”

#IVECA #LiveClass #SustainableBusiness #ArtificialIntelligence #ResponsibleConsumption #AIforSustainability #Spring2025 #SDGs

United by Purpose: Korea, Colombia, and India Take Action

This semester’s IVECA Live Classes connected students from Colombia, India, and South Korea in a powerful cross-cultural exchange focused on the theme “Local Actions, Global Impact.” Through collaborative presentations, students explored how global issues manifest in their communities and developed innovative, locally grounded solutions linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Korean students addressed air and marine pollution in Chungcheongnam-do, while Colombian teams proposed community kitchens and urban gardens to fight food insecurity. Indian students focused on improving waste management and supporting environmental activism, showing how unique local issues reflect shared global challenges.

Each group approached complex problems with maturity and creativity. Korean students proposed rainwater filtration systems to combat groundwater depletion and highlighted the mental stress caused by academic competition. Colombian students emphasized the value of community partnerships in reducing hunger and malnutrition. Furthermore, their Indian counterparts shared strategies for improving waste systems, supporting young environmental defenders, and building sustainable cities. Despite cultural differences, the students shared a common goal: creating a healthier, fairer world through thoughtful local action.

Yet, beyond policy ideas and presentations, the most lasting impact was the human connection. Students expressed how this experience broadened their perspectives and deepened their understanding of global issues. Sincere/warm farewell letters spoke of mutual respect, admiration, and hope for future in-person meetings. As one student from Korea shared, “You weren’t just project partners—you were respectful, thoughtful, and full of insight.” The performances—from insights on Colombia’s greatest treasures to Indian Kathak dances and Korean Taekwondo—brought cultural pride and emotional warmth to the digital space.

Through IVECA, students didn’t just learn about SDGs or community problems—they learned about each other. When youth connect with open minds and a shared purpose, they don’t just exchange ideas; they begin to shape the future. As one principal noted, “The future needs people who can lead with knowledge, serve with heart, and unite across differences.” 

#IVECA #GlobalClassroom #VirtualExchange #CrossCulturalLearning #SustainableFuture #ThinkGlobalActLocal