Students Join Forces to Tackle Global Issues at TMU

Recently, students at TMU‘s English Language Institute had an exciting opportunity to team up with peers from two universities in Korea. Together, they focused on important global issues that match the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

One of the participants, Taraneh Hosseinzadeh, is set to graduate soon and hopes to step into a career in the medical field. Currently, she is one of 17 students in the English Boost program, which is an intensive eight-week program designed to help international students sharpen their language skills.

During this program, Taraneh and her classmates teamed up with 62 students from Pusan National University and Sahmyook University. These students were visiting for their language immersion experience, adding an exciting international flavor to the event.

In July, all these students participated in the English Language Institute’s annual SDG Solutions Day. This event is not just about language; it’s a chance for students to show off what they’ve learned and how they’ve developed their critical thinking and presentation skills in English, according to Ryan Doherty, the student transition and engagement coordinator.

Doherty explained that the focus on SDGs is essential because it connects students’ lives to real-world challenges. The discussions that came from this event were rich and diverse, reflecting a variety of global perspectives.

The winning group tackled SDG number six, which is all about Clean Water and Sanitation. Their project proposed a creative way of using solar power to turn seawater into drinkable water for Somalia. This innovative idea could significantly improve access to clean water in the country.

Beyond this event, Taraneh has also made lasting friendships through the English Boost program. As she prepares for her upcoming studies in Biomedical Engineering at TMU, she values the connections she’s made, even if they’re in different programs or majors.