Busan National University Joint Overseas Volunteer Group Achieves Global Education Sharing in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary:
From Education and Culture to Advanced Convergence Education,
Growing Together with the Local Community

Busan National University (President Choi Jaewon) announced on August 7 that the 36th Joint Overseas Volunteer Group successfully completed its global education sharing activities at Wat Thanothai Payap School in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from July 21 to August 7.

Busan National University Overseas Volunteer Group is conducting overseas volunteer work in Thailand and taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Busan National University

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Busan National University's overseas volunteer dispatch program. Over the years, Busan National University has practiced educational sharing in local communities abroad and has established sustainable cooperation models.

This year's volunteer group consisted of 33 students. The group engaged with approximately 170 local students through five programs: Korean language education, K-pop dance, Taekwondo, art as part of Korean culture sharing, and integrated education based on 3D printers and Arduino. In particular, to support students learning Korean, the volunteers worked on improving the educational environment by making chalkboards and bulletin boards, painting classroom murals, and installing "health stairs" in the foreign language building.

In addition, a variety of cultural exchange activities were held, including a promotional session introducing Busan National University and Busan City, a Korea-Thailand cooking class, and street performances. At the street performance held on August 3 at the Three Kings Monument Square in Chiang Mai, the group presented K-pop songs and cover dances, Taekwondo performances, and a flash mob, receiving enthusiastic responses from both citizens and tourists.

Busan National University plans to donate the equipment and teaching materials used in this activity to the local community and to provide online-linked programs upon request.

Lee Changkeun, Dean of Student Affairs (Professor of Design), who visited the site, stated, "This volunteer activity was an exemplary case of partnership that led to mutual learning and growth, rather than one-sided support," and added, "It was a precious time in which the sincerity of Korea, Busan National University, and Busan was conveyed to the hearts of the children in Chiang Mai."

Busan National University plans to continue expanding its overseas educational cooperation programs to bridge the global education gap and promote the Korean language and culture.