Hello!

My name is Safiandra Pasha Samiaji. I am an undergraduate student from Indonesia working here at VANK as a foreign youth researcher. The activity started in early July and is coming to a close at the end of August. As we wrap up the activity, I would like to summarize the things I have done over the past month. But first, I will explain why I chose VANK and how I came to be here in Korea.

Why VANK?

Back in March, I realized that I wanted to do something beneficial for myself and seek a new experience during this year’s summer break. I didn’t want to waste my holiday by just sitting around and doing nothing. Fortunately, my organization, AIESEC, had just launched its summer exchange program. When I saw the VANK program, I knew it was perfect. It offered personal growth and cross-cultural exchange in a new country. I had also developed an interest in Korea and wanted to learn more about its culture and history. I applied immediately, despite being nervous about the interview. A few months later, I received the exciting news that I had been selected. Just a month after that, I was in Korea, beginning my internship at VANK.

What I Did at VANK

Petition: More Public Trash Cans in the City

This petition was created due to a problem that I and many other tourists experienced: the lack of public trash cans throughout the city. Many people are forced to hold onto their trash until they can find a trash bin, which disrupts the sightseeing experience. Additionally, this can contribute to litter, negatively impacting the city’s image. Increasing the number of trash cans, especially in popular tourist areas, would be a great, tourist-friendly solution.

Video about Indonesian Culture: “Ngaben”

I created a video for VANK explaining one of the most fascinating cultures in my hometown of Bali called “Ngaben.” Ngaben is a Javanese Hindu tradition that involves the cremation of a deceased person. It is a significant ritual that holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning for Javanese Hindus. I made this video to share with people here so they can also learn about my home culture, as I am learning about cultures here in Korea as well. It is a great opportunity for cross-cultural exchange. You can check out the video on VANK’s Instagram account.

K-Food Video: Naengmyeon

This is another video I made where I contributed to VANK’s K-food video challenge, which promotes and increases exposure of Korean food around the world. I took this chance to explain one of the most interesting Korean dishes, in my opinion, which is “Naengmyeon” or Korean cold noodles. It’s a very unique dish, and I think the blend of ice and soup works very well in the summer. I’ve never seen anything like this in any other country, which is why I wanted to talk about and share this culinary experience.

Petition: Increase English Books in Public Libraries

This petition highlights the difficulty faced by myself, as well as by foreign visitors and residents in South Korea, due to the lack of English-language books in public libraries. The scarcity of English books not only hinders learning about Korean culture but also detracts from the overall tourist experience. In my opinion, expanding English-language collections in public libraries is crucial to better cater to the needs of a diverse population and promote cultural exchange. It also provides more reasons for tourists to stay in libraries beyond just taking pictures.

Final Thoughts

Working here at VANK has been the best experience—one that I am sure I will never forget. Words can’t fully express my gratitude for everything I’ve gained here at VANK. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by everyone. Beyond personal growth, I had the unique opportunity to connect with the people here and share my experiences. It’s truly something that I will always remember. I have become inspired by VANK’s noble mission to preserve and promote Korean culture. I have no doubt that VANK is destined for great success. Thank you for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. I hope we can meet again soon!