Ukrainian Voices, Korean Classrooms: A Tale of Sharing and Learning

By Anastasiia Andriievska

I attended Chonnam National University as a scholarship student in 2024. I first began by studying the Korean language, and soon after, I joined the UNESCO KONA volunteers of the KONA Storybook Center. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Before coming to Korea, I already had some volunteer experience, but here, while working with children, I truly realized how meaningful volunteering is for me.

At the beginning, it was challenging because I did not know Korean well, and communicating with the children was difficult. However, with every class, I learned together with the kids and adults, and we gradually got to know each other better. At the KONA Center, I shared about Ukraine, our culture, and traditions, while also mentoring English to children. At the same time, I was able to learn more about Korean culture.

KONA is truly a special place for both Korean and international volunteers. It is a space where people are open to new cultures and to each other – through stories, books, and conversations. We also had meaningful experiences at the Jungheung Library in Buk-gu, where we organized informal reading groups.

What pleasantly surprised me at KONA was that one of the methods used for teaching English was speed reading. I was especially impressed because this method is also widely used in all primary schools in Ukraine. It helps children acquire language skills faster and become more confident in their speaking abilities.

I also gained valuable experience volunteering at two elementary schools in Gwangju, where we gave interactive presentations about Ukraine. These sessions combined English learning with cultural exchange. What touched me the most was how curious and active the children were, asking many questions about my home country.

This experience will not be wasted. Now, having completed my studies in Gwangju, I have returned to Ukraine. My younger brother has just entered the first grade, and I am teaching him English using the very same methods I practiced as a volunteer at UNESCO KONA.

Through volunteering, I have realized how important intercultural exchange is in our time. It is not only about sharing Ukrainian and Korean culture or learning English. Most importantly, it is about building partnerships and friendships among people for a greater, shared future.

Cover photograph courtesy of Anastasiia Andriievska.