Jatinangor, 22nd November 2025 — For Zia Zhafira, joining the outgoing Global Volunteer (oGV) program with AIESEC in Universitas Padjajaran (Unpad) wasn’t just a chance to go abroad. It was a rare blend of personal growth, cultural immersion, and meaningful contribution, a “once in a lifetime package deal,” as she described it. Her six-week journey in South Korea became a transformative adventure that shaped her perspective, strengthened her confidence, and expanded her understanding of the world.
Why She Took the Leap: A Mix of Purpose and Curiosity
Zia’s motivation started from seeing Global Volunteer as a bridge to something she had long been seeking a real cultural exchange experience.
She saw the program as an opportunity both selfish and selfless: a way to travel and explore freely, while also giving back to youth communities and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Ever since starting university, I’ve wanted to live and experience a culture that’s completely different from my daily life,” she shared. Global Volunteer became the perfect platform for a chance to help, learn, explore, grow, and even represent Indonesia on the global stage by introducing the nation’s culture, food, language, and friendliness to people who may have never heard of it.
Her Destination: South Korea’s ‘Green Leaders’ Project
Zia was placed in South Korea, joining the Green Leaders Project hosted by AIESEC in Dongduk Women’s University.
The project focuses on SDG 13: Climate Action, working with youth to encourage environmental awareness and sustainable thinking.
From the moment she landed, she was welcomed warmly and guided by the host Local Chapter (LC). Yeonwoo, one of the members, personally picked her up from the airport and helped her settle into her accommodation.
On her first day teaching at a youth center for elementary school students, she was accompanied by Jiyoon, the Local Committee Vice President of oGV in AIESEC in DWU.
Throughout her stay, both AIESEC in DWU and AIESEC in Unpad supported her every step of the way — answering questions, providing guidance, and ensuring she never felt alone in a foreign country.
The Moments She’ll Never Forget
When asked about her most memorable experience, Zia simply couldn’t choose one because everything felt meaningful.
Her first day of teaching, however, left a particularly deep impression. The children she taught were genuinely excited to learn, even taking notes enthusiastically. They asked her about Indonesia, about her life, and tried their best to communicate in mixed English and Korean.
“That sincerity touched me so much,” she said. “Seeing how eager they were made me even more motivated.”
Beyond the classroom, everyday life in Korea also became a highlight. The buzzing streets, the interactions between locals, the routine of daily life, and the reliability of public transportation all felt new, exciting, and memorable in their own way.
Facing Challenges Abroad and Learning From Them
Living in a new country always comes with surprises and for Zia, the biggest initial challenge was finding halal food.
As a Muslim, she had to avoid certain ingredients, including pork and alcohol both widely present in Korean cuisine, even in snacks sold at convenience stores.
But she adapted. Through research, she located halal-friendly restaurants nearby.
And when needed, she communicated her dietary restrictions using a practical strategy: telling restaurant staff she was “allergic to pork,” which made them more attentive in handling her food safely.
The challenge taught her resourcefulness, courage, and persistence skills that would stay with her far beyond the project.
What She’s Most Grateful For
From personal breakthroughs to unforgettable memories, Zia returned home with countless things she felt grateful for.
Through Global Volunteer, she discovered her own capability to live independently in a foreign country for six weeks, something she never imagined she could do before. She brought home new skills, friends from different parts of the world, valuable experiences, and a stronger, braver version of herself.
“Global Volunteer shaped me into someone more patient, more understanding, and less afraid to step outside my comfort zone,” she reflected.
Her Message for Youth Who Are Still Hesitant
Zia believes cultural exchange is something everyone should experience at least once to be reminded of how big the world is, and how small we really are.
“Feeling scared or unsure is normal,” she said. “But you won’t be alone, your mentor and the GV team will be there for you every step of the way.” Her advice is simple but heartfelt:If the opportunity, time, and resources align just go for it. You never know when the same chance will come again.
