空氣中瀰漫著一股酸楚又帶點甜澀的氣息，夾雜著此起彼落的抽噎聲和發自內心的嘆息。就在幾天前，我們光明國中的學生們才剛抵達韓國大邱，個個感到興奮又帶著一絲緊張。此刻，當我們站在慶北國立大學附屬中學新落成的圖書館裡，道別的時刻卻比預期的更加令人動容。淚水滑過臉龐，緊緊的擁抱如同珍貴的承諾，承諾著彼此要保持聯繫，這強烈地證明了這短短時間內所建立起的真摯情誼。
The air hung thick with a bittersweet mix of sniffles and heartfelt sighs. Just days before, our students from KMJH had arrived in Daegu, South Korea, alive with a mixture of excitement and nervous flutters. Now, as we stood in the KNUMS newly establish library, the goodbyes proved far more emotional than anticipated. Tears streamed down faces, and hugs were exchanged like precious promises to stay connected, a powerful testament to the authentic bonds forged in such a short time.
The
Warm Embrace of Welcome
The
warmth of the welcome at KNUMS hinted at the strong bonds that would soon make
the farewells so poignant. From the moment we stepped onto KNUMS's campus, we
were embraced by a wave of heartfelt warmth and generous hospitality. The
welcome ceremony was a vibrant celebration of international collaboration. Our
students showcased their talents, while our Korean hosts responded with
enthralling performances, including K-Pop dances. Speeches highlighted the
significance of our sister school partnership, emphasizing the value of
cultural exchange and global understanding. The gift exchange, including a
commemorative plaque and custom-made mugs, symbolized the long-lasting bridge
between our friendship.
Homestay:
Living Like Family
The
homestay experience provided our students with a unique opportunity to immerse
themselves deeply in Korean culture. Living with host families, they savored
authentic Korean cuisine and experienced daily life firsthand. Heartwarming
feedback from parents recounted stories of profound kindness and connection.
Furthermore, the hospitality dinner hosted by the KNUMS principal and staff
fostered deeper relationships and allowed for enriching discussions about
cultural differences, broadening our mutual understanding.
Learning
and Laughter in KNUMS Life
A
campus tour revealed KNUMS's remarkable facilities and its accreditation as an
IB World School, inspiring our KMJH staff with fresh perspectives. Our students
actively participated in classes, experiencing the nuances of the Korean
educational system. The special program proved a highlight, with everyone
learning to make gimbap—a delicious and hands-on cultural lesson! We also
explored Korean artistry by crafting traditional name stamps and trying on
beautiful Hanbok, the traditional Korean clothing.
Beyond
the structured activities, the opportunity to mingle informally with the Korean
students was priceless. Laughter echoed as they shared aspects of their culture
with us, creating moments of genuine connection. These informal interactions
fostered understanding and appreciation, building vital bridges between our
cultures.
Farewell:
A Testament to Connection
The
farewell ceremony stood as a powerful testament to the deeply felt impact of
this exchange. Speeches from both principals expressed profound gratitude and a
commitment to continued collaboration. The students' reflections, shared in
English, highlighted the transformative impact of the trip. The tears and
heartfelt goodbyes underscored the authentic bonds forged.
On
behalf of KMJH, I extended an invitation to the KNUMS principal to visit
Taichung this October, a reciprocal gesture of goodwill and friendship, and a
promise to continue nurturing this essential partnership.
This
trip to KNUMS was more than just an educational exchange; it was a
transformative experience. Our students returned with expanded perspectives,
improved English skills, and a nuanced understanding of Korean culture. They
learned the importance of hospitality, empathy, and global citizenship.
A
Teacher's Pride: The Joy of Connection
Witnessing
the profound connections forged between our KMJH students and their newfound
friends at KNUMS has been the most rewarding experience of my career as an
English teacher. This journey to Daegu wasn't solely about practicing speaking
English with Korean students; it was about fostering empathy, bridging cultural
divides, and cultivating global citizens. Seeing our students confidently
communicate in English, navigate a new cultural landscape with grace, and form
genuine bonds that transcended language barriers swelled my heart with immense
pride. The positive feedback from parents, students, and colleagues alike has
been deeply affirming, recognizing the countless hours and tireless dedication
invested in making this sister school partnership a reality.
This
adventure to KNUMS is a testament to what a passionate English teacher like
myself can achieve, and it's a chapter I will forever cherish.
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