VOICES
The ACE 2025 Summer Intensive Program Participant
College of Intercultural Communication
Ms. Aimi Sato
Challenges and Discoveries at the ACE Summer Intensive Program
This summer, from August 1st to 11th, I participated in the ACE Summer Intensive Program, where I experienced valuable learning and inspiration that I could never have gained through my usual university life. Looking back, I feel that this program not only improved my English, Korean, and Chinese language skills, but also gave me an important opportunity to reconsider my attitude toward living in an increasingly globalized world.
The most significant thing I gained through this program was the ability to accept different values. Participants came from various countries, including China, Singapore, Korea, and Japan, each with their own perspectives and daily customs. At first, I often felt confused by those differences. However, I made a conscious effort not to reject them immediately but to first accept and understand them. By doing so, our communication developed into deeper conversations that went beyond simple disagreements, allowing us to connect while acknowledging our diverse backgrounds. I realized that the essence of intercultural understanding is not to eliminate differences, but to use them as a foundation to create new perspectives—a realization that was truly meaningful for me.
Of course, intercultural communication was not always smooth. Especially in the beginning, I encountered moments of confusion and difficulty among group members. However, through this study abroad experience, I learned that cooperating with people who hold different values requires expressing my own position clearly while maintaining calm and open communication. There were times when I felt discouraged, but overcoming those challenges helped me grow. In fact, those shared struggles strengthened our bonds, and I am grateful that we still keep in touch even after the program. Having made friends I genuinely want to meet again is one of the greatest rewards of this experience.
Next, I would like to mention the connection between the pre-program study and the actual experience. Before departure, we deepened our understanding of Korean culture and history through discussions and readings. This preparation was extremely helpful during on-site discussions. Because I had background knowledge, I was able to follow the flow more easily and express my thoughts with confidence. Through this, I realized that knowledge only gains true meaning when it is put into practice. From now on, even in my university classes, I hope to not just absorb information passively but to actively express and apply what I learn in real situations.
Overall, the biggest change I felt through this program was the development of a mindset that enjoys challenges. In the past, I tended to feel anxious and hesitant when entering new environments. However, this time I discovered that true learning lies within challenges, and even failures or conflicts can be turned into opportunities for growth. This shift in mindset will surely support me in both my academic journey and future career. Above all, I want to carry forward what I have gained from this experience—continuing to engage with the world proactively and with confidence.