Ignatius Center for Human Development Successfully Completes the 2022 16th Xavier Immersion Cambodia

- You and I, Seeds of Hope - 

The Ignatius Center for Human Development hosted the 2022 16th Xavier Immersion Cambodia program over the course of 10 days and 9 nights from January 4th through January 13th. This event, which included 13 Sogang undergraduates, ended after a total of 7 pre-sessions, several activities conducted Cambodia in January, and a post-session in February.

● 3 months long pre-session to lay the foundation for local activities  

The focus of the pre-session, which lasted for three months starting in October 2022, was to allow participating students to deeply reflect on their day through the MAGIS CIRCLE program and to meet the “intrinsic side” of themselves. By reviewing their reasons for applying to this program and the mental attitude they want to have, the students were able to lay a foundation for complete immersion in the program. 

After learning some basic information about the culture and history of the country, the students were divided into groups to prepare the educational volunteers in earnest, make program brochures, and purchase items required for the programs. In addition, they carried out fundraising activities on Christmas Eve to buy gifts such as school supplies, school bags, and accessories. 

▲ Pre-session – fundraising

● 10 days and 9 nights of activities in Cambodia, engaging with local students

Activities in Cambodia began in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, and continued to Siem Reap and Sisophon.  Visiting a museum, enjoying the night markets, and touring Angkor Wat served as momentum for students to understand the local climate and smoothly adapt to life abroad. 

Participating students also made direct exchanges with local students for the first time at Light of Mercy Home, run by the Society of Jesus, Phnom Penh for students with visual and hearing impairments. They got to socialize with the local students over dinner. The students listened to explanations about the facility from local priests and nuns and took in the values of the Society of Jesus in their hearts. 

▲ Light of Mercy Home

The people of a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Southeast Asia, subside on fish and travel by boat along the lake. Participating students also visited a floating church by boat. The children there greeted the students with a genial smiles and clear eyes. Listening to stories of the village and celebrating mass together, the students and locals got to know each other better. 

▲ Pictures of a floating home

The students spent their last four days at Xavier Jesuit School, which is located in Sisophon.  The educational volunteer work at Xavier School, which was the main purpose of their visit to Cambodia, was successful. The music, art, physical education, and English programs prepared and organized by the students were far more than expected. The positive and direct reaction of the local students proved to a greater sign of success than any other feedback. The local students actively participated in and responded to the programs. “It was such a meaningful opportunity to make an exchange with the local students and I was deeply moved by the students who actively pursued their dreams amidst their difficulties,” said Shin Chae-eun, who organized the programs for Xavier School.

▲ Program preparation for Xavier School, Sisophon

▲ Programs at Xavier School, Sisophon

  ● Wrap-up session for reflecting on the activities and sharing thoughts

After completing all their activities in Cambodia, a post-session was held in February to wrap up and do last-minute reviews for all the activities that had been carried out. Reflecting on their precious journey in Cambodia, the students shared their thoughts and feelings on this experience and on how this experience impacted their lives.

"I owe the local people I met there for the good energy which helps me to continuously live an energetic life even in Korea," said Park Jae-yeon, a member student of the 16th Xavier Cambodia program. "I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Ignatius Center for Human Development, the Immersion Program, the priest, and the 12 other students for giving me unforgettable memories that I couldn't have otherwise gained from an oversea trip," she added.