Hello again and welcome back to my UNESCO blog!
It is hard to believe that two months have already passed since I began my internship at UNESCO APCEIU in Seoul, South Korea. My time here has been incredibly rewarding, offering me invaluable professional and educational experiences. I have deeply appreciated having ample opportunities to be involved with the entire process of incorporating Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and Education for International Understanding (EIU) into educational systems and teacher training.
Immersing in Cultural Diversity and Inspiring Engagement through UNESCO APCEIU projects
In particular, my role within the Office of Education and Training (ENT) at APCEIU has been both pleasantly challenging and fulfilling. Since the ENT team is dedicated to developing professional mentorship programs, training workshops, and educational materials, I have been primarily assisting with preparations for two major training workshops: the 23rd Asia-Pacific Training Workshop—Expanding the Vision of Peace through GCED and the 9th Global Capacity-Building Workshop on GCED.
The most exciting aspect of this experience was immersing myself in the rich diversity of beautiful cultures and engaging with the inspiring participants of these workshops. As an educator and learner, it was extremely rewarding and valuable to gain diverse perspectives on GCED from educators within the Asia-Pacific region. As someone deeply committed to transformative education and pedagogy, it was truly gratifying to hear from other colleagues passionate about advancing education and pedagogy grounded in human rights, ethics, social justice, and peace.
From Historic Neighborhoods to Artistic Marvels
Although the last couple of weeks in Korea kept me quite busy at the office, I still managed to continue exploring this beautiful country. In my previous post, I shared my experiences visiting royal palaces, which were truly breathtaking and provided fascinating insights into their historical backgrounds.
Another place that left me speechless with its stunning view of the entire city of Seoul is Bukchon Hanok Village. This residential neighborhood features numerous restored traditional Korean houses and was historically the residential quarter for high-ranking government officials and nobility during the Joseon period.
I also visited Olympic Park, which was built to host the 1988 Summer Olympics. What particularly drew me to this destination was its numerous installations and exhibitions by talented artists and sculptors from around the world.
While walking through the village, it is hard not to enjoy a fantastic view of Seoul with its beautiful nature and unique architecture. An interesting fact about Bukchon Village is that, despite being one of the most popular sightseeing destinations, it is actually a residential neighborhood where people live and own houses. However, the area remains quite tranquil and not overly crowded, so it doesn’t seem to be very disruptive for the residents.
I was especially impressed by the sculpture of an Algerian artist. It depicts two people listening to and negotiating with each other, symbolizing the value and power of dialogue in overcoming barriers such as geography, language, culture, and politics. Does it not perfectly reflect the principles of GCED and underscore the path toward a sustainable and peaceful world?
Every End is a New Beginning
As this chapter closes, I move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. The UNESCO internship has been profoundly insightful, offering me the opportunity to connect with renowned experts in the field and passionate advocates for global citizenship and transformative education. The professional experiences, collaborations, and abundant learning have not only broadened my perspective but have also significantly enhanced my confidence in the work I am deeply passionate about. Undoubtedly, this internship has further reinforced my belief in the power of education to foster global understanding, democratic values, and positive change – principles I will proudly carry with me throughout my academic and career journey.
Kseniia is a Master’s Candidate in International Education Program at the George Washington
University. Her academic and research interests are related to Global Citizenship and Human
Rights Education with a concentration in Teacher Education and Pedagogy.