TAMIU Students Engage in Service Abroad Program in South Korea

This past Spring Break, ten Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) students stepped beyond campus as they traveled to South Korea where they combined service learning and cultural exchange into a transformative experience.

The TAMIU Service Abroad Program offered both undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to travel internationally while engaging in meaningful community service projects. Through hands-on volunteer work and cultural immersion, students gained global perspectives, enhanced their leadership skills, and contributed to positive social impact in communities throughout South Korea.

During their time in South Korea, University students partnered with several organizations dedicated to serving vulnerable populations and promoting social awareness.

Dubbed the Briquette Sharing Movement, University students participated in a winter humanitarian effort delivering coal briquettes (연탄, yeontan) to low-income households in hillside communities. Working in a coordinated human chain, the group delivered and stacked 400 briquettes for a household in need, helping provide essential heating during colder months.

Additionally, students supported the Korea Hana Foundation by engaging in an educational experience focused on the integration of North Korean defectors into South Korean society. Through presentations and discussions, participants gained insight into resettlement efforts, cultural adaptation, and the social differences between North and South Korea.

Also, students made an impact through their participation in the Babfor Sharing Movement. Students addressed food insecurity by assisting in meal preparation and service for vulnerable populations, including seniors and low-income residents. The group helped serve 308 individuals, while also supporting kitchen operations and engaging with community members.

“The Service Abroad experience is truly transformative for our students,” said Priscilla A. Cadena, program manager for the University’s Office of Student Affairs.

“Not only do they gain a deeper understanding of global communities, but they also return with a renewed sense of purpose, empathy, and leadership. Watching our students actively engage in meaningful service and connect with communities abroad highlights the lasting value of global civic engagement,” Cadena noted.

“Students who have already dedicated thousands of service hours to the Laredo community are now extending their impact beyond borders through international service experiences,” said Mayra Hernandez, director of the University’s Office of Student Affairs.

She continued, “At a time when studies show Generation Z faces gaps in key workforce skills such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving, these hands-on service projects provide critical learning beyond the classroom. By engaging with diverse communities around the world, students gain cultural competency, resilience, and a deeper understanding of global needs—preparing them to become well-rounded, career-ready professionals who lead with empathy and purpose. TAMIU ensures these transformative opportunities remain accessible, empowering the next generation to create meaningful impact both locally and globally.”

University graduate student Victoria García reflected on her experience, stating, “One of the most transformative experiences of my leadership journey was my service abroad in South Korea. This experience deeply touched my heart and reaffirmed my purpose, reminding me why I fell in love with serving others—the ability to offer compassion, support, and hope, and to be part of the reason someone feels that the world is a little kinder.”

Undergraduate student Luis Diaz García uttered similar sentiments, saying, “Serving abroad was a very enriching experience that taught me that serving others is a universal language that can bring everyone together, regardless of our backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs. It taught me so much about myself and broadened my worldview, helping me carry those lessons into life back home.”

The TAMIU Service Abroad experience was coordinated in collaboration with the Office of International Engagement and the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), both of which played an essential role in planning the trip and facilitating international partnerships. These programs empower students to become globally engaged leaders committed to service, cultural understanding, and community impact.

University students interested in applying are encouraged to stay connected with the Office of Student Affairs via their website and social media for any upcoming announcements.

For more information about the Service Abroad Program or other community engagement opportunities at TAMIU, visit https://www.tamiu.edu/scce/communityengagement.shtml or contact the Office of Student Affairs at 956.326.2265.