Participating in the AELC programme was a precious experience. Academically, it not only broadened my research horizons but also introduced me to a range of interesting topics. It also strengthened my critical thinking through teamwork and structured reflection. On a personal level, I immersed myself in a culturally diverse atmosphere, made new friends, and built meaningful relationships. The time I spent in AELC has become an indispensable part of my postgraduate journey.

I first learned about AELC in the first year of my Master’s programme. I joined as a volunteer, which allowed me to make many new friends and also become familiar with several teachers in my college. From them, I learned how to design a research study. Professor Chen’s course, Regression Analysis and Beyond, helped me review quantitative methods and inspired my interest in quantitative research.

The second time I participated in the program was during the summer between my first and second year of graduate school. I arrived at Korea University with great anticipation. The two phases of Professor Liu’s course, which integrated big data models with the IDB quantitative processor, expanded our perspective from individual cases and regional studies to the international level, making us feel more connected to the world. We also visited a local high school, where the atmosphere, architectural style, and student dynamics differed greatly from what I experienced in high school. This contrast sparked lively discussions with my friends—education, as it turns out, truly is everywhere.

The third course session was hosted by Tohoku University in Japan. However, due to political reasons, I could only participate online, which was truly regrettable. Yet, I could still sense the teachers' dedicated efforts to engage online students in the course. The first phase of the inclusive education session aligned closely with the direction of my graduation thesis, and the concept of UDL also provided fresh inspiration.

My experience with AELC has helped me grow in countless ways. I am grateful for the thoughtful guidance of all the teachers and the sincere friendship of every classmate. I believe the warmth from these experiences will stay with me for a lifetime.