Dankook University’s Overseas Volunteer Corps Embodies the Motto of 'Truth and Service'

   Dankook University (DKU) has been actively involved in domestic and international volunteer activities since establishing its Volunteer Corps in 2007. Over 2,500 students and faculty members have been dispatched to countries such as Mongolia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Nepal, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and Laos. These endeavors exemplify the university's core value of 'Truth and Service'. During the recent winter vacation, the Jukjeon and Cheonan Volunteer Corps of DKU expanded their overseas volunteer activities by practicing the university's motto of 'Truth and Service' in Cambodia and Vietnam. Cheonan Overseas Volunteer Corps departed for Van Lang University in Vietnam, while the Jukjeon Overseas Volunteer Corps headed to Tatok Elementary School in Cambodia. At Tatok Elementary School, the Jukjeon Overseas Volunteer Corps donated 1 ton of rice to the Dail Community (a local volunteer organization), conducted educational volunteer programs they prepared themselves, and engaged in activities such as mural painting. Similarly, the Cheonan Overseas Volunteer Corps engaged in various educational and cultural exchange activities at Van Lang University.

▲ Photo of Overseas Volunteer Corps of DKU (Photo from the DKH)

   The Dankook Herald(DKH) conducted interviews with Ku Kyung-bon (Business Administration major), Lim Ga-eun (Dept. of History), and Park Bum-sung (Dept. of Chemical Engineering) to learn more about their experiences overseas.

    What made you apply for Dankook University’s Overseas Volunteer Corps?

   Ku Kyung-bon: I have been consistently involved in volunteer work. It all began with my dedication to helping abandoned dogs, but my desire to make a broader impact led me to consider overseas volunteer opportunities. After seeing my friends engage in such work through social media, I decided to apply for my own overseas volunteering experience.

   Lim Ga-eun: In my sophomore year, due to COVID-19, all external activities including classes were suspended. This meant that half of my university life was conducted online, so I wanted to try something before graduation and applied for Dankook University’s Overseas Volunteer Corps.

   Park Bum-sung: As Vice President of the student council, I led the overseas volunteer program, but had never gone myself. Seeing previous volunteer activities and taking on a leadership role inspired me to seek my own firsthand experience. So, I applied to be part of the program.

▲ Photo of Tatok Elementary School (Photo from the DKH)

   Can you share any memorable stories from the volunteer program?

   Ku Kyung-bon: The children gave me a Cambodian name, ‘Nana’. Once I introduced myself as ‘Nana’, they remembered it so well that I would hear them calling me from everywhere. There was even another student named ‘Nana’ who followed me around closely. On our last day, I burst into tears saying goodbye to Nana’s class. I hugged each of them one by one, and they also cried so much. I felt sorry for starting all the tears. Then, Nana surprised me by giving me a key ring, a letter, and a bracelet in a folded paper box from her bag. And as I left, Nana called out to me and, gently removed her bear-shaped hairpin and placed it in my hair. Even now, thinking about it brings tears to my eyes.

   Lim Ga-eun: I was part of Dankook University’s Overseas Volunteer Corps’ Korean Culture Team. Our team was newly formed, and our mission was to plan and organize activities for children to learn more about Korean culture. We came up with ideas like decorating hanbok or headstones and making traditional patterned fans. Through all these activities, I was deeply moved. The kids enthusiastically drew the Taegeukgi(Korean flag) and Cambodian flag, carefully writing the names of DKU and our team members in Korean. Their curiosity about my name tag and their efforts to copy it touched my heart. It made all the hard work we put into planning with my team members feel incredibly worthwhile. I have preserved all the children’s beautiful creations in my photo album.

   Park Bum-sung: There were so many heartwarming moments! Let me share a couple: On my first day of educational volunteering at Tatok Elementary School, the children looked at me and exclaimed in Korean, “Wow, you're tall!” They immediately hugged me and started playing. And then there was Mya, a handsome boy from the first-grade afternoon class. During every break, he would seek me out, proudly showing off what he had created in class. It was incredibly touching!

▲ Photo of Tatok Elementary School (Photo from the DKH)

   Was there anything you regretted the most during volunteer work?

   Ku Kyungbon: Unfortunately, I could not participate in all the classes because I was not feeling well. I felt slightly unwell from the 3^rd day on, and it got worse that evening so I was unable to participate in the afternoon class on the 4^th day. I felt very sorry because I knew that my absence meant additional work and effort for my team members. I also heard that children were looking for me, during my absence, which upset me as it meant less time spent with them.

   Lim Ga-eun: I taught a class on making keychains using Korean traditional knots. After receiving feedback from the first demonstration, I assumed that the children were quite skilled with their hands and could handle more challenging tasks, so, I prepared various designs beforehand. In the hope that the children could easily follow along. However, when I saw some children who could not do it, I thought I failed. Eventually, I was able to do everything and finish the class, but it was regrettable because it was the class that I had put the most effort into developing during this volunteer experience. Nonetheless, I will never forget the joy on their faces and the sound of their voices saying "thank you" in Korean.

   Park Bum-sung: During our five days of educational volunteering, time passed faster than expected. It was quite sad to realize it was already time to say goodbye. If I could go again, I would strive to create even more memorable and enjoyable experiences during our time overseas.

   Reflecting on your own volunteer experiences, what quality do you see as the most underrated but important?

   Ku Kyung-bon: I consider understanding to be the most essential quality. Many aspects of the Cambodian environment and culture are different from Korea. So having an open mind and accepting attitude is necessary.

   Lim Ga-eun: While a strong work ethic is crucial, I believe responsibility and adaptability play equally vital roles in volunteering. As overseas volunteers, we encounter unfamiliar environments, and it is our responsibility to ensure smooth operations even if team members fall ill. Moreover, when challenges arise - such as the difficulty level in a traditional knot keychain-making class - we must quickly adjust and find alternative solutions, like transitioning to making traditional patterned fans for example.

   Park Bum-sung: While empathy is crucial, I believe that having a sense of responsibility and perseverance to diligently carry out assigned tasks quietly are the most important qualities when volunteering.

▲ Photo of Overseas Volunteer Corps of DKU (Photo from the DKH)

   What were some of the most impactful outcomes of your volunteer experiences?

   Ku Kyung-bon: through this experience, I have gained a willingness to embrace new challenges. With previous volunteer activities, I simply executed what was already prepared for me. But this time, I took charge of preparing everything myself and carried it out in an unfamiliar environment (Cambodia). And the results turned out quite satisfactory. Even if things were not perfect, I have learned the importance of recognizing the effort I put in and having others acknowledge it. Now, challenges have become more exciting for me rather than something to fear.

   Lim Ga-eun: Volunteering overseas has served as a ‘stepping stone to a broader world’ for me. Before, my focus had been on educational volunteering. However, engaging in various tasks like village beautification and giving haircuts to children opened my eyes to the diverse areas where assistance is needed. The joy of making a difference in someone’s remains vivid in my memory, and I now aspire to continue volunteering across various fields on a larger scale.

   Park Bum-sung: I initially assumed that living in a developing country might feel gloomy or challenging. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The children were incredibly pure and kind-hearted. While I intended to share a lot during the volunteer experience, I ended up learning a great deal from the children themselves.

   Do you have anything to say to prospective applicants interested in Dankook University’s Overseas Volunteer Corps?

   Ku Kyung-bon: There were more difficulties than I thought, but if I could go back in time, I would apply again without hesitation. Meeting warm and adorable children was the happiest moment of my university life. The overwhelming emotions I went through were such a valuable experience. I hope you all encounter it too.

   Lim Ga-eun: I envy you so much as I want to return. Dankook University’s Overseas Volunteer work will undoubtedly create unforgettable memories for both the volunteers and the communities they serve.

   Park Bum-sung: Volunteering abroad can indeed be more challenging than volunteering within your own country. It is important to take care of your health. This opportunity will allow you to encounter new experiences you have never had before. To the next applicants, I wish you a thorough preparation and a return filled with wonderful stories to share!

   The DKH looks forward to the future activities of Dankook University's Overseas Volunteer Corps. We encourage Dankookians (students of DKU) to participate in this program, embodying DKU's motto of 'Truth and Service.