Asia Pacific International School(APIS), an American international school in the outskirts of Seoul announced cancellation of GCP(Global Citizen Program) that was supposed to take place in the Philippines and Telunas this Spring on January. GCP is the school’s community service program featuring interaction with locals in many different parts of the world, in particular, offering volunteer work for regions in need—building up a school, cleaning up the shore and so on. APIS students have so far visited countries such as Laos, Cambodia, China, and Borneo under this program.

GCP was called off as the Indonesian travel alert was raised; safety protocol level 1, meaning the government warns of possible threat and recommends its people to check travel advice or withdraw their plans. If at level 2, an immediate and full evacuation is ordered.

GCP cancellation memorandum drafted by the school also implies that the decision not to pursue the initial plan was made as Korean government and the U.S. Embassy Seoul stressed safety of students was definitely the priority. As a result, the school chose the APIS Hawaii campus as an alternative for this year’s GCP.

Reaction of the students about the new destination varied; majority of them said it was shocking news. The students added they wish the alarm had not been set off in the first place. Others mentioned that going to Hawaii seemed to be a better option as it is safer. In response to the view favoring Hawaii, those of many students who were not really welcoming the new project site said “It might be true that Hawaii is a more comfortable place to stay, with a lot of cozy accommodation and great views to appreciate. However, does this nice island fit the primary goal of the GCP program; committing ourselves to giving hands to others?” Teachers, in the meantime, supported the school’s determination while commenting travelling to the Philippines and
Telunas seemed risky as well as persuading the students to go to their Hawaii campus.

Overall, albeit many students have complained about the plan B, it is a relief that the youngsters are not going to such hazardous areas, putting themselves in a potential danger. Plus, participation fee paid by the students was not wasted as the school adjusted the plan quickly. Notwithstanding that the students may not be able to conduct volunteering activities of goodwill this spring; they will be able to stay in the safer land and learn diverse new lessons. Based on the learning from this year, the students will to do better next time,
when they are sent to the right place where their hands are in need.

Matthew Choi  

Grade 8

Asia Pacific International School