뉴스노믹스 김지혜 기자 |
In May 2025, the 17th Cultural Talk for Diversity was held under the theme of “Education.” Since its inception in 2023, this monthly gathering has brought together individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds to explore issues around identity, communication, and inclusion.
□ French Education: History, Principles, and Challenges
The first speaker, Latifa Aarab, an intercultural expert and literacy coach with French, Moroccan, and British roots, opened the session with a comprehensive presentation on the French education system. She traced its foundational principles—liberty of education, free access, neutrality, secularism, and compulsory schooling—to the French Revolution of 1789.
These values, she explained, are intended to promote critical thinking and equality.
However, Latifa also highlighted the ongoing social and economic disparities in French education, especially concerning access to elite institutions. While education is technically free and open to all, systemic inequalities persist.
She noted recent efforts to diversify top schools and compared the French emphasis on analytical thinking, credentials, and debate culture with educational attitudes in countries like China, India, and Nordic nations.
Cultural Identity and Comparison
The discussion shifted to the cultural contrasts between France and Morocco, with Latifa sharing her personal observations. She contrasted the rigidity of French elite schools with the chaotic, flexible nature of Moroccan life. Participants shared their own cultural stories, including Mihae’s reflection on German people’s fascination with the “chaos and freedom” of Brazilian society.
An engaging question from Alexandra about modern symbols of political power in France led Latifa to highlight democratic values, national slogans like “Liberty, Equality, Solidarity,” and food culture as key expressions of French identity. The group also shared French movie recommendations such as "Life is a Long Quiet River” and “Vive la France” to deepen cultural understanding.
□ Education as a Personal Journey
The second speaker, Kate Zhang, shared her personal educational journey across China, Korea, and Canada. Now based in Vancouver and working in international education, Kate emphasized how education serves as a bridge between cultures, shaping both identity and perspective.
She described education as a deeply personal and transformative experience, enabling her to develop independence and confidence. Participants contributed to a Mentimeter poll, describing education with words like “growth,” “curiosity,” and “finding myself.” This sparked a deeper conversation about how education impacts both individual development and social engagement.
□ Navigating Cultural Adaptation and Respect
Kate also discussed the challenges and learnings from navigating cultural differences between Korea, China, and Canada. She emphasized how hierarchy and respect are embedded in Korean language and behavior, which was initially difficult but later became something she appreciated.
Responding to a participant’s question about helping a child adapt to Korean culture, Kate advised active immersion into local customs. She also recommended AI tools like ChatGPT to learn about cultural nuances before traveling or relocating.
For those interested in joining future Cultural Talk for Diversity events or collaborating as a speaker or participants, feel free to reach out. : Contact: janekimjh@naver.com
Monthly sessions are held via Zoom and are open to individuals passionate about diversity, inclusion, and cross-cultural understanding.Stay tuned for the next session and be part of a global conversation that bridges cultures and fosters mutual respect.
