Empathy in Action: Seoul Students Make a Difference Through Service

Whether volunteering to play music for elderly patients, fundraising for orphaned children, or organizing book drives for young learners in Cambodia, our students actively seek ways to make a difference. From advocating for menstrual equity to teaching sports to disadvantaged youth, their efforts reflect a deep sense of responsibility and compassion. Even small acts, like baking bread for the elderly or preparing care packages for children in Vietnam, demonstrate the power of service.

Here are a just few voices from our community talking about the importance and impact of service learning at Dwight Seoul:

Wilbert Kwakkel, Student Life Coordinator

“Service learning is not just about applying classroom knowledge to real-world situations — it is a powerful opportunity for Dwight students to learn from and with others in the community. Engaging with diverse individuals challenges our students to step beyond their usual circles, develop empathy, and collaborate in meaningful ways. Through these experiences, they strengthen their sense of belonging, embrace inclusion, and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures. Most importantly, service learning empowers students to listen, reflect, and take action toward justice and equity.”

Shawn Klug, MYP I&S, MYP Service Coordinator

“It’s inspiring to see our students take initiative and turn their compassion into action. From supporting local hospitals and orphanages to advocating for global literacy, they are making a real difference in their communities. Service learning isn’t just about volunteering — it’s about developing empathy, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to helping others.”

Ronald Ronseth, Grade 12 StudentOn a recent service learning trip to Bali

“We were provided with the opportunity to live amongst the locals, collaborate with them, and share moments of joy. One such moment was a soccer match organized with the local team at their court. We walked to the court through the neighborhoods and truly immersed ourselves into their lives. This is where I believe the importance of empathy truly shone through, in the moments where we walked in the shoes of the local kids and lived in their world. Though we could not speak their language, nor understood one another, we had a great time playing barefoot with them. Soccer became a medium that built a bridge between their culture and ours, and we built up a form of empathy that goes beyond the mind but reaches the heart.”

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW

to read more from Ronald, and learn more about our Week Without Walls service learning initiative in the latest edition of our magazine, The Spark