“Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance". When I was asked to write a column about my perspective on Handong Global University, the first things that came to my mind were great numbers of foreign and ex-abroad (as they now live in Korea) Korean students and the poor inclusion and tolerance towards the bulk.
Handong Global University.
As its name suggests, our school aims for globalization. Dictionary definition tells us that globalization is the process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments of different nations, that is to say, our school endeavors cultural exchange between students and faculty from different cultures. Cultural exchange can be defined as “an exchange of students, artist, athletes, etc. between two (or more) countries to promote mutual understanding”. Then, how do we achieve a successful mutual understanding? Through cultural tolerance.
But the problem here is that the two sides might not always agree on the terms or legitimacy of this cultural exchange. For instance, one might force their ideals and culture onto a neighboring group, then take something they want in return and call it cultural exchange. However, cultural exchange is not about “this is my culture, now give me some of yours” process. Cultural exchange has to be mutually satisfying with a “fair exchange”. Unfortunately, the way term is conceived in Handong is far from fair. Do not get me wrong, I’m not accusing Handong students for disrespecting foreign students’ cultures and taking advantage them like the conquistadors who, with subliminal aversions to natives, disregarded their cultural value and took away everything of value. I’m simply saying that if we truly want to culturally exchange, we must reconsider some systems that is holding us back from the cultural exchange. Firstly, the i-systems (i-HANst, i-House, etc) are segregating foreigners, making it difficult for them or us to interact with one another. Why are Koreans students given a choice of RCs and dormitories when foreign students have no option but to live in the International House? Why can’t we all, Korean or not, participate in the same orientation? If one argues that we separated HANst and i-HANst due to efficiency issues, can we truly say that Handong is tolerating the diversity, while having segregated the minor diversity group?
These foreign students have come to our school to experience the Korea and the Handong culture. They must have prepared themselves and given up a lot to come for this exchange program. Instead of grouping foreign students by themselves for “their comfort”, wouldn’t it be fair to let them get the most they can from this program and our school?

Hyebin Park(Management and Economics 15)