Friday, April 18, 2025

Korean Sister School Partnership: KMJH in Daegu, Connecting Hearts at KNUMS


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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