In this social activism exchange between high school students in Mexico and South Korea students shared aspects of their daily lives with each other and also depictions of social and political events occurring in their countries. The focus of the exchange was reality versus the media’s portrayal of culture and dangers in both Mexico and South Korea. While the students primarily used Facebook as their platform for communication during the exchange they met with each other at least twice for live discussions via video conferences as well. During this exchange students were able to discuss the realities of their daily lives, scrutinize the media’s portrayal of cultural and current events, and analyze the impact media has in creating stereotypes between cultures.
Although the students’ native languages were different this exchange provided an opportunity for them to practice reading, writing and speaking in English, a common second language between the students, as well as attempt to communicate in each other’s native language. At the end of the exchange students in Mexico selected one topic to discuss in a comparative essay incorporating what they learned about the similarities and differences between South Korea and Mexico.
Even though the exchange is over the students have continued to stay in contact with each other through their project Facebook page.
Below is an example from their exchange.
[Excerpts from Facebook comment posts] Señora Ange: me gustó su video. Se me hace bien interesante que haya vivido en el continente africano ¿en qué país vivió?
Jihun: Gracias yo vivé
Señora Ange: ¿Qué fue lo que más te gustó de vivir en Kenya?
Jihun: Señora, mi parte favorita fue la gente muy amable, y la naturaleza que es muy hermosa
