Why did you volunteer for the G20 Seoul Summit?
Karina: I just wanted to experience a worldwide event to understand how people prepare for it. Apparently, it was really a major project; it was a very significant preparation for Seoul.
Horeb: I volunteered because doing so would give me an experience socializing with foreign volunteers. It would also give me an idea how volunteers are mobilized here in South Korea, which as I have observed, is organized with the help of its broad and generally accessible Information Technology infrastructure. Moreover, I thought my English ability and knowledge as an International Relations graduate student would be helpful when the conversation comes down to strictly G20-related topics.
What were your responsibilities as volunteers during the Summit?
Karina: I was assigned to the “G20 Press Tour” wherein we have to tour the foreign press/media around Seoul in their selected tour course, so I was able to get around as well.
Horeb: I was assigned to the “Tour Visit” department where I would assist visitors around the area.
What experiences have you learned from being volunteers in the Summit?
Karina: What I learned in general, is that bring out all the best possible things in your country for the rest to see. This is one important opportunity for the people who do not know and understand South Korea very clearly. Thus, there were a lot of projects, developments done just for this Summit. However, I do hope that this is not only for G20 but just the start of everything. The country has been unified in this event. It seems like most of the organizations are supporting the G20. For example, the bus, the construction, the tourist sites, etc. - Once you said you are part of G20 - all ways and excuses will be provided to you.
Horeb: What I gained from this experience were friends. We have exchanged mobile numbers, and “ilchon” on Cyworld. Surprisingly, one of them has been to the Philippines to study English so we had a lot of common things to talk about. I have also met students from different universities and they have invited me to visit their campus this autumn, and this is a good chance for me to explore the different university cultures here in South Korea.
By Seo Da Som and Go Yo Sup, Class 4-2, Prof. Peter Kim’s Class
