Sharing the Achievements of the International Education Cooperation Model
Samyook University announced on August 1 that it successfully implemented a multidisciplinary international education cooperation model in Battambang, Cambodia, by dispatching a summer volunteer group of three teams with over 80 members for the "EDUBridge Project." The project encompassed youth mental health promotion, career exploration, and ICT competency enhancement.
Sahmyook University Overseas Volunteer Group takes a group photo with local students at the Cambodian Teacher University. Sahmyook University
This project was planned based on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on June 10 between Samyook University and Battambang Teacher Education College (BTEC), a national teacher training institution in Cambodia.
The two universities jointly designed "NextGen CELEBRATIONS! Cambodia: EDUBridge Project" and agreed to establish an educational cooperation model integrating youth mental health, addiction prevention, and AI convergence education. Their goal is to improve the local educational environment and foster sustainable global partnerships.
The detailed projects consist of: ▲ the "AP (Addiction Prevention) Project" to prevent smartphone overdependence and internet addiction; ▲ the "NEO (NextGen Education for Opportunity) Project" to strengthen career exploration, psychological recovery, and global communication skills; and ▲ the "+PLUS IT Project" to provide education in AI, drones, and coding-based convergence technologies.
The AP (Addiction Prevention) Project team operated in Battambang from June 19 to 29. Thirteen Samyook University students and 100 BTEC students formed teams to jointly plan and develop the program, visiting local elementary, middle, and high schools to conduct addiction prevention education.
Under the guidance of Professors Kim Junghoon and Yoon Mieun from the Department of Addiction Science, the team developed theoretical and educational content in the morning and conducted field practice in the afternoon. They identified students at risk of addiction, such as smartphone overdependence, learned and applied short-term intervention counseling techniques, and gained practical experience.
During the same period, the NEO (NextGen Education for Opportunity) Project involved 14 Samyook University students from the Department of Early Childhood Education and 150 BTEC students from the Department of Elementary Education. They jointly developed child-centered educational content and directly taught classes at local elementary schools.
Guided by Professors Kim Kilsook and Kim Jungmi from the Department of Early Childhood Education, the project focused on designing and implementing curricula that reflect cultural contexts. The participation of local pre-service teachers helped lower language barriers and enhance learning outcomes.
The AP and NEO projects are significant because students from both universities not only delivered knowledge but also jointly planned and carried out the programs, realizing a model of mutual growth through educational service.
Meanwhile, from July 7 to 19, the "+PLUS IT Project" was conducted, involving 45 students from the Department of Computer Engineering and 8 staff members, totaling 53 participants. Under the guidance of Professor Kim Byungkuk, the project provided step-by-step IT education for Battambang high school and university students, including computer basics, PowerPoint and Excel practice, basic artificial intelligence, advanced Python courses and project-based classes, drones, and media editing.
The project focused not only on technology acquisition but also on strengthening project-based problem-solving skills and collaboration abilities. The high level of participation and achievement among local students was notable.
The Samyook University volunteer group also participated in the "STEM Fair" (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Convergence Exhibition) hosted by BTEC, showcasing drone displays and coding drone demonstrations. Hang Chuon Naron, Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, attended the event and expressed great interest.
Samyook University plans to further develop the "EDUBridge Project" as a sustainable international education cooperation model, rather than a one-time exchange.
To this end, a consortium was formed with six local educational institutions, including BTEC, National University of Battambang, Build Bright University Battambang Campus, Preah Monivong High School, Nat Yang High School, and Essential Life Center. A multilateral memorandum of understanding was signed on July 11.
Lee Byunghee, Director of the Glocal Social Innovation Institute at Samyook University, who oversaw the project, stated, "We will continue to dispatch volunteer groups regularly to improve the quality of life for Cambodian youth and realize global citizenship education. We aim to develop a sustainable development cooperation model that organically connects Samyook University's expertise with local educational needs."
Son Sokun, Dean of the Faculty of Educational Research at BTEC, said, "Through the expertise and technology introduced by Samyook University, we aim to improve the quality of education, strengthen in-service teacher training, and expand the foundation for global cooperation. We plan to pilot an educational model that can be expanded throughout Cambodia."
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