We had been looking forward to participating in an online exchange, and it was an enlightening cultural immersion. The discussions transcended borders, offering diverse perspectives on various topics. To be specific, we introduced ourselves and about GGHS including the school festival and dormitory. We asked the questions of each country, such as the economy and social problems, too. 

Despite potential language differences, communication was seamless and enriching. Sharing experiences and ideas built bridges, fostering understanding and friendship. This exchange was a valuable window into Japan’s rich heritage and contemporary society.

We had the chance to meet our Japanese friends in person on the 17th of December. Because winter in Japan is relatively colder than winter in Korea, it seemed a bit difficult to tour Seoul in -11 degrees Celsius weather. However, as we spent a lot of time walking, we talked about various things. We traveled around Myeongdong, Seoul, providing a brief tour of Korea. We visited a photo booth, HiKR Ground, Gwangjang Market, and a 12-story Daiso store. It was also nice to be able to show Korean things to Japanese friends there.

After we were finished with our tour, we had some time to exchange our opinions regarding children’s happiness and the improvement of Korea-Japanese relations. What was most impressive was that our Japanese friends listened to our stories. While listening to explanations about the Japanese curriculum and textbooks, we learned that there are few opportunities for history education. It’s sad that problems that should have ended with the older generation have come to those born in the 2000s, but it seems like a brighter future has been discovered that can solve old chronic problems. Thus, it was an interesting experience, as we got to learn different perspectives.

The last day of the offline meeting took place in our school. All watched the performances prepared by the students of our performance club to welcome students from Asahigaoka and Chikusa High School. Afterwards, we watched short performances of our school clubs and conducted a school tour. When I introduced the school, I felt more affection for the school! 

After a brief school tour, we had time to experience traditional Korean games, which was a lot of fun. We were surprised that their playing was better than ours. For lunch, we could eat school meals together and talk. It was meaningful since we talked about each other’s schools while having lunch. It was the best time to talk about everyday things with friends from other countries. Before saying goodbye, we heard the feelings of our Japanese friends, which made us moved and proud. We were sad because we became so close in a few days. Everyone was sad to say goodbye. In the end, we promised to meet someday when we go to Japan. Thank you for the good times and sweet memories!

Before the actual exchange activities took place, we went through a preparation process. To prepare for the online interaction, we created presentation materials. In the presentation, our group introduced ourselves and the school, and at the end of the material, we included questions we wanted to ask our Japanese friends. In our self-introduction, we introduced our interests, and many people introduced interests related to Japanese culture such as Japanese animation and music. In order to prepare for the face-to-face exchange meeting, we organized the opinions for the opinion exchange meeting. It was a time to think about children’s happiness and ways to improve Korea-Japan relations.

 

On Novermber 7, we had our first meeting with Japanese friends through Zoom meeting. In a small group, we introduced ourselves. Then we explained about various cultures, facilities and characteristic of our school. We also freely talked about our interests, such as J-pop recommendation, K-pop idols, and animations. Additionally, we discussed about the tour course in Seoul, looking forward to offline meeting in December. It was fun and meaningful exchange with Japanese friends!

 

On December 17th, we had a face-to-face exchange with students of Asahigaoka. All groups had a field walking session in seoul near by Sejong hotel in Meongdong. Our group went to Hongdae. First, we took a bus to Hongdae and talked with each other. We usually talked about Japan and Korea culture, favorit things in Japan and Korea.
When we arrived at Hongdae, the first we did was go to a singing room. We sang Korean and Japanese songs. Group members had fun. we also ate strawberry or vanilla icecream in singing room.
We ate Yeobki Tteokbokki in lunchtime. We talked again while go to eat Tteokbokki. It was fun more because we became closer while singing.
We ate Tteokbokki, egg custard, rice balls as talking with them. Asahigaoka friend’s relaction was surprised. We didn’t think it is spicy, but the friends said it is so spicy. But, they said it was delicious too.
We took the picture dividing 5 and 6. they experienced K-culture by taking a picture with us. After taking pictures of 5 and 6, We took a picture in front of a big mirror all together.
Finally, We went to caffe to drink. We arrived at the caffe and ortherd some drinks. As we drink a smoothies, caffee and ade, We took a break time and talked again.
Then, We came back to Sejong hotel.
We became closer than when we first met. We got to know each other’s countries and each other better. it was a wonderful time and it was a perfect day.

 

The highlight of the face-to-face exchange meeting with students from Asaigaoka School was the academic activity. Students from each school shared their opinions on the topics of “Promoting Child Happiness” and “Developing Japan-Korea Relations”. A representative student from Asaigaoka School gave a presentation on promoting child happiness, and a representative student from Goyang International High School gave presentations on both topics. After listening to the representative presentations on the topics, we gathered in groups and began activities to look at the topics from different perspectives. We discussed the causes of each topic, the current situation of Korea and Japan in relation to these issues, and, as a result, what efforts can be made to promote child well-being and improve Japan-Korea relations. It was very valuable to share stories on topics that have a profound impact on both countries.

 

On the next day, 18th of December, Asahigaoka High school students visit Goyang Global High school on a school tour. We prepared our clubs’ performances to welcome a visit from Asahigaoka High school. First, there was a performance by the orchestra club, Largo. They played Japan’s animation OST. Second, there was a performance by the dance club, Phyita. They composed a performance with K-POP that can show Korean culture well. Third performance was by the Korea traditional samulnori club, Zakzakoong. They played with traditional Korean instruments that are called jing, kkwaenggwari, janggu. Next, we introduced them to some of the most representative places in our school. First, we introduced Global Bridge 1,2 classes. We use Global Bridge when we take a native teacher class. We had a class where we discussed and presented in groups. Second, we introduced our Art class. We move to art class when we have an art class. And we showed them the artwork made by our school students.Third, we showed our GYM. We go to the gym, when we take a P.E. class and learned about various sports. Fourth, we introduced our cafeteria. We always move to eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the cafeteria and we said that we had set meals. Lastly, we introduced our Library. Our school Library is called ‘Geulsoop Mary’. We go to Geulsoop Maru when we need resources for assignments and read a book. Finally we ended the school tour by introducing five different presentative places of our school and school culture.

 

After watching the performances prepared by GGHS’ performance club and conducting the school tour, we had a time to experience Korean traditional games at Global Bridge 2. We prepared five traditional Korean games (Jegichagi, Yutnori, Gongginori, Top-spinning, and Slap-match) and received a stamp for each successful experience of traditional Korean games. If we collected three stamps, we could receive materials for making traditional Korean lamps. After that, we had time to write down our names in Korean. As the last activity, we gathered in groups and played Yutnori. When we easily explained how to play Yutnori to the Japanese students, we could soon see them enjoying participating in the game. Through face-to-face exchange meetings with Japanese students for a short period of two days, we were able to learn Japanese culture and confirm a bright future for improving Korea-Japan relations. We have experienced and learned a lot through international exchanges with Asahigaoka High School, so we hope that such international exchange activities will continue in the future.

 

Overall, we had such a great time with Asahigaoka students. It was truly a valuable experience through which we all had learned a lot. Asahigaoka students, we hope we can meet again someday in the future!

 

We carried out the last activity. It was a pity to think that we would never see each other again with friends who had exchanged many stories while working on projects together. In the last activity, we had time to analyze and guide corporate strategies and marketing by investigating interested Korean companies, brands, and institutions. In this regard, we also asked our Taiwanese friends what they were curious about and exchanged what we wanted to say to each other as it was the last time. During this activity time, it was very meaningful to introduce Korean companies to Taiwanese friends. We were proud to introduce a Korean company to a friend from a country other than Korea, and it was surprising that there was a company that our Taiwanese friends knew among the companies we introduced. We ended the conversation on the subject of inquiry early and had a lot of time to talk freely with each other. When we heard that it was the last time because we didn’t have much time to do activities, we felt sorry to think that we wouldn’t be able to see our friends on the screen again. All of the friends who participated expressed great satisfaction with this activity and expressed their desire to participate again if this opportunity arises next time.We think this time will be a good memory later.

 

This time, we discussed various marketing strategies of companies in each countryWe introduced lotte food’s marketing strategy, pepero day, Kakao industry’s various formations and characters. We additionally introduced an online shopping mall in Korea. We discussed the common grounds and differences between the two environmental companies in Korea and Taiwan. Taiwan students introduced a public electronic bicycle lent service, and we talked about the public electronic kickboard lent system in Korea. We also talked about how we celebrate holidays in each country. In the international exchange project, we were able to freely communicate and interact with Taiwanese friends and get to know Taiwan’s culture in detail. In addition, each country’s culture is different, so we thought we should respect each other’s cultures. It was meaningful to share thoughts about each country’s marketing strategies and various contents. We enjoyed every time communicating with our friends abroad. We were sad that this was our last time to communicate, so we tried to spend time without regret. We hope we can see each other again in the future.

Yeon Soo : In the last exchange with Taiwanese friends, I introduced Olive Young while introducing Korean companies. Talking to them I heard that they bought cosmetics from our country, and I was proud of Korea at that time. Taiwanese company, Shopee was also able to learn about different online corporate cultures between countries. With this exchange program, I felt like I was experiencing the culture and life of not only Korea but also other countries indirectly, so the three times of activities we had so far have been very good and interesting.

Ye Rim : I introduced Weverse and Weverse Shop, the platform of HYBE, and explained the system by which they work for the company to earn money. It was impressive that Taiwanese friends systematically analyzed Shopee’s marketing strategy and informed the local culture based on it. It was a great opportunity to learn their culture from local friends, not from television or textbooks.

Jun Hyeok : I introduced Samsung, Korea’s No. 1 business company, to my Taiwanese friends. I explored corporate management strategies in the era of globalization, informing the values and marketing strategies pursued by Samsung companies. I learned about Shopee, an online company, from my Taiwanese friends. Through this international exchange program, I think I learned how to understand each other’s cultures and adapt to the era of globalization.

Tae Uk : I was excited to meet Taiwanese friends because since l was entranced in GGHS l always has dreamed of meeting other countries’ friends. Through this program, I could learn lots of lessons that l haven’t got before Global exchange. Introducing me, culture, and business company, l was close to them temporarily and could know what they ate, thought, lived, etc. I am so sad but l hope we will see again!

Min Chan : As I interacted with Taiwanese friends, I had an attitude to understand and respect other cultures. In addition, by comparing culture, companies, and trends, I realized that they were not much different from us. Interaction with Taiwanese friends was a really unique and meaningful activity, and I was able to learn various things, including English and cultural diversity.

Yeo Gyun : I explained the KAKAO company to Taiwanese friends. They were interested in the characters of KAKAO. Through these global interacting projects, I could experience Taiwanese culture and develop my foreign language skills. Also, I knew that Taiwanese teenagers have similar hobbies to us. It was interesting to share our favorite sports. I was very sad that this was the last meeting. I hope we meet again. This was a precious experience.

Seo Yoon : Having a conversation with foreign friends was one of the biggest wishes when I entranced this school. As I expected, I could get lots of important experiences through this activity. Basically, I could improve my English talking skills when I had to present and talk about or culture and ask them. Also, It was a good opportunity to see other country’s culture with an eye level of adolescents like us.

Wi Chan : Having such an exchange experience was so impressive for me. I was once introduced about one of the Korean companies, Coupang. One thing I remember is that a Taiwanese friend introduced a company similar to mine so that we could easily talk to each other. From this interaction activity, I learned how to have a conversation with others especially in English. I could improve not only my foreign language skills but also how to listen to others and make a speech. Sharing culture, I’m sure that we were aware of the new cultural features and improved the ability to respect others’ own culture.

Eun Seo : I think I was able to grow further as a global citizen through this program. It was nice to make friends of different nationalities and communicate with each other about each other’s culture and company. Even if our distance is far, we could feel their sincerity.

Chae Rin : I presented Baemin’s marketing strategy. It was a very beneficial time to learn about the various effective marketing methods of each company. In particular, the strategy of Taiwanese companies, which I did not know well, was very novel. In addition to this academic aspect, it was very interesting to share each other’s cultures by talking about our interests with CCHS.

Jeong Yun : It was a good opportunity to communicate directly with Taiwanese friends through this exchange. And I was able to share the culture that is popular in Korea, introduce Korean companies to Taiwanese friends, and promote in our culture. In addition, it was a very meaningful time for me to be introduced to the culture that is popular in Taiwan.

On October 18th, there was our second meeting with Taiwan friends. We discussed ‘Relationship of South and North Korea’ and ‘Relationship of China and Taiwan’. We also shared some fads each other too. It was an impressive experience that we could know Taiwan’s everyday-terms. Also, we discussed out cultures of each countries.

 

 

                         With interactions, we could remind the importance of international peace by informing them about our relationship(South North Korea) and being teached their relationship(China Taiwan). We could deal with implications about unification and big alarms of relationship. In addition, we can deal with the viewpoint of how we should treat and accept the relationship between Taiwan and China. With this process, it was useful and meaningful that we could understand and recognize each other’s history and culture, and we could be more friendly by sharing language expressions.

And we trade our cultural customs that are similar but different in some aspects. We could realize that it is more effective to discuss and share with similar other countries to solve problems than bear everything by oneself, and it is the cooperative function in the global community. Most importantly, we could be equipped with a wider viewpoint to our, and global issues by being told their words. 

It was very interesting and informative because it was my first time talking and interacting with students from other countries. We think it was a good opportunity to learn the daily life culture of Taiwanese friends rather than the traditional culture of Taiwan itself.
It was fun to tell them the famous phrase in our country, and it was a meaningful time to look back on our school life, introduce it to our Taiwanese friends, and learn about their high school life.
It was a meaningful time to find common points with us, including our favorite singers. It was also fun to share what I liked and laugh together.
It was a meaningful time to get to know each other more deeply while introducing each other’s culture.
It was amazing because the cultures were different and there were other parts that everyone sympathized with because they were students. We felt we became one with the friends beyond the country.

we were able to get to know a lot about each other by communicating with Taiwanese schools online. After we first went on Zoom and greeted each other, we each started introducing ourselves. Starting with our group, we each introduced ourselves, and we had time to introduce our names, clubs, favorite singers or foods using pictures. Taiwanese students also used PPT to introduce themselves by saying MBTI, favorite Korean singers, and favorite webtoons. After introducing themselves, both countries had time to introduce their schools. Our group introduced our school’s tracks, meals, dormitories, and club presentations, and Taiwanese schools introduced school uniforms, school campuses, and dormitories. In the next order, we conducted a question-and-answer session about what we were curious about each other. Our group asked Taiwanese students about their favorite school activities, Taiwanese students’ daily routines, and after-school activities, and Taiwanese students asked about after-school activities and special lunch menus. The activities concluded by giving witty answers to each other’s questions. During this activity, it was good to be able to vividly experience the culture of Taiwan, which we did not know well, and it felt very meaningful to have a conversation in English and get to know each other about what we don’t know about each other. Not only me, but also all of my friends who carried out the activities together showed high satisfaction with this activity and left a review that they were looking forward to the next activity time. As this activity was very fun, we are looking forward to the next activity time.

On September 25th, we had our first meeting with Taiwanese students. First of all, we introduced ourselves to each other. We talked about our school clubs we are active in, hobbies, favorite food, favorite movies, etc. Taiwanese students showed their strong affection for Korea. They said they were big fans of Korean culture. Most of them said they loved Korean dramas. They tried to pronounce titles of their favorite ones fluently, so Korean students applauded. A picture of Jung Kook they showed was very interesting because it was the picture well known to true fans of BTS. Moreover, one of them had wrote down a sentence in Korean on her Instagram introduction.

Then Taiwanese students asked us to recommend some Korean food. We answered that 떡볶이 and 추어탕 are worth trying. Some of us found that her birthday was the same with a Taiwanese student. They congratulated each other and did an online high-five.

Next, we introduced GGHS to CCSH students. We talked about GGHS’s daily routine, dormitory life, culture, school meal, clubs, and events.

Because of the time limit, we’ve heard very little about CCSH. We hope that the next exchange will be able to hear more of them with a more skillful progress.

 

Our first meeting with love was September 13th. All we were so excited to meet Taiwan friends. We prepared some information about Korean peace and our introduction. When we were in an online meeting, we discussed cultures of each countries and talked about ourselves. Our topic is ‘Peace’ that we will discuss more it next meetings.

<Comments>

‘We could share our idea about social issues and peace. By communicating with many students through global exchange, I could think about the relationship between Korea and Taiwan, and the way international society builds peace.’

‘It was good to talk with overseas friends about peace building, and it was a great opportunity to learn about Taiwan’s culture through an online exchange meeting.’

‘I had high expectations for the first international exchange time, but I was sad that I couldn’t attend due to the corona virus, and I hope to talk to other friends and get to know them better during the remaining time.’

 

We talked about each country’s opinion about global conflicts, and we could know new conflicts that generated in Taiwan(they introduced to us!) Students in Taiwan were so bright and friendly that we could naturally communicate well. And we freely talked and heard some presentations about the topics we selected. Moreover we share each other’s food, and school life styles, etc.

While interacting with Taiwan, it was interesting that we have differnet minds and points about global society conflicts. And we could learn and have awareness about female rights, economic problems. It was a really good opportunity and experience to share each country’s culture and opinion.

And it was really interesting that we shared not only presentation but also school’s festival videos. Even though we had some difficulties in screen sharing because it was our first interactions, they were so thankful to understand our conditions. Though it was just online interactions but we build our strong relationships and exchange our social network accounts.

#2
We shared and communicated comfortably about things that impressed us during our school life recently. After that, we introduced women who changed the prejudice of society. By introducing women such as Kim Yuna, Yun Yeo-jeong, and Pak Se-ri who broke the frame set by society and surprised the world, I was motivated to break out of the frame set for me. Through this activity, I further strengthened the idea that such prejudice and discrimination are extremely absurd. It has not been easy to get to know Taiwanese women, but we get to know Taiwanese women and famous words they said. So, I think it was a good opportunity.
We knew the tries to chabge the gender streotypes by introducing female role model. I think this time that is meaningful to share the information.

 

We shared opinions with our Taiwanese friends about gender bias. Through this activity, We were able to introduce and hear about gender bias in each country. And also we had some icebreaking time with Taiwan students. We talked about feature of gender biases, and heard about the opinions. By meeting with them, we weren’t only that sharing our thinking but also correcting a false notion. It was very interesting time to know that there are some differences in cognition of gender each country. I am looking forward to meeting my Taiwanese friends at the next meeting. Also it was impressive that both countries have common stereotypes about gender role.t

 

We and Taiwan students shared some female role models who overcame prejudices about women. We introduced Park seri, Susan Ahn Cuddy and Kim Yuna to Taiwan students, emphasizing their careers deserve respect regardless of gender. I was able to realize the importance of the theme of gender equality again by seeing women in Korea and Taiwan who have achieved their own achievements despite prejudice.
We were able to realize the importance of the theme of gender equality again by seeing women in Korea and Taiwan who have achieved their own achievements despite prejudice.