HUSS Project Group Discusses Regional Issues with Students from Around the World
January 22nd, 2026. Kwangwoon University’s Global Coexistence Humanities and Social Sciences Convergence Talent Development Project Group (HUSS), led by Director Lee Hye-young, held a Community Problem-Solving Challenge Workshop on January 5 at the university’s 80th Anniversary Building. The event was co-hosted with California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), the Hope Institute, and the Nowon Cultural Foundation.
The workshop was conducted as part of Kwangwoon University’s international cooperation initiatives under the Global Coexistence HUSS project, which aims to cultivate 2,500 core convergence talents equipped with inclusive and sustainable global competencies. The program was designed to link local community issues in Nowon-gu with overseas universities through an integrated educational model, thereby strengthening participants’ regional problem-solving capabilities and international collaboration skills.
The program featured lectures on social innovation delivered by researchers from the Hope Institute, followed by hands-on workshops utilizing the Social Designer Binder. Participants also engaged in design thinking–based problem-solving activities centered on real community agendas developed in collaboration with the Nowon Cultural Foundation. This structure was intended to enhance the practical impact of university–community cooperation.
Kwangwoon University and CSUCI students participating in team-based activities
A total of 35 students participated, including 17 students from Kwangwoon University’s Global Coexistence HUSS program and 18 students from CSUCI. Students were organized into mixed teams of four to five members, combining Korean and U.S. participants. Through team-based activities, students analyzed community challenges from multiple cultural and academic perspectives and proposed solution strategies. Outstanding teams were recognized with awards to encourage active engagement.
Participants noted that collaboration with international peers provided valuable exposure to diverse viewpoints, despite occasional communication challenges. Additional activities, including a campus tour and networking session, further supported intercultural exchange.
Professor Sang-yeon Kim of the Department of Media Communication, who supervised the program, stated that the workshop exemplifies the Global Coexistence HUSS project’s objective of connecting local communities with global partner institutions. He added that Kwangwoon University plans to continue expanding similar initiatives to foster convergence talents capable of contributing to sustainable societies through local and international collaboration.
