When 187 students from 12 South Korean universities arrived at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) this summer, they came with more than just language learning goals. They brought fresh perspectives to solve one of the world's most pressing challenges.
The students participated in TMU's English Language Institute's four-week immersion program, designed around the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
For students like Taeyong Park from Sahmyook University, the program offered more than language practice. "The ELI Immersion Program provided an opportunity for me to explore my interests and helped me grow through collaborative projects that aim to improve society using my academic background," Park says. "Learning with diverse perspectives showed me how my passions align with global goals."
The program's highlight? SDG Solutions Day, a collaborative mini-hackathon where students compete to address SDG#4: Quality Education.
The immersion program is thematically built around the 17 UN SDGs - an urgent call for action by all countries. (Photo from UN.org)
Real solutions for real problems
Student teams tackled educational barriers in regions around the world, from Afghanistan to Ghana, Romania, Honduras, and also Indigenous communities in more remote spaces of Canada.
Working in mentored groups, they had one goal: develop innovative ways that industry, government or communities could use new technology to promote lifelong learning opportunities.
"SDG Solutions day provides a space for students to improve their English and encourage meaningful collaboration," says Taraneh Hosseinzadeh, international peer supporter at TMU's English Language Institute. "It was inspiring to see them work together to tackle global challenges and develop thoughtful, creative solutions in just a short time."
The results impressed an audience of over 100 attendees. Students presented innovations ranging from AI-powered learning software for personalized education to solar-powered education kits designed to overcome infrastructure gaps in remote communities.
SDG day inspired innovation, real-world problem-solving and cross-cultural teamwork. (Photo by Rena Chen)
The winning innovation
The top proposal came from a team that developed A.L.A (A.I. Learning for Afghanistan) - a hybrid online and offline learning system specifically designed to improve access to education for women in remote areas of Afghanistan.
Their comprehensive solution included:
- Solar-powered learning kits to charge mobile devices and tablets
- Drone delivery systems for educational technology in rural communities
- AI tools enabling independent study and personalized curriculum tracking
Beyond language learning
ChangEun Bae from Daegu Catholic University found the collaborative challenge particularly rewarding: "SDG Day was a truly unique experience. It's been fun to team up with students I've never met before and challenge themselves to a given goal within a limited time," says Bae.
Building global problem-solvers
Events like SDG Solutions Day highlight the value of combining language learning with global problem-solving and TMUELI's commitment to inclusive and impactful international programming.
Joy Kim, liaison officer at TMU's English Language Institute, has mentored students for three years and seen remarkable growth.
"Mentoring students on SDG Solutions Day has been a true pleasure, especially many who began with no knowledge of SDGs but grew to deliver insightful presentations," says Kim. "One group I mentored, overcame diverse cultural perspectives through teamwork, leading us to win. It has truly made all the effort worth it."
University partners are equally impressed with the results.
"Sending our students to TMU was the best decision," says Amy Sunmin Kim, manager of International Education Center, Sahmyook University. "They had a wonderful, enriching experience, gained valuable knowledge and grew both academically and personally. The supportive environment and dedicated staff made a lasting impact."
