A Global Leader in a Global City The Story of Songdo from Soleiman Dias ,
Chadwick International School Songdo
Soleiman Dias
The symbol of Incheon Education: its International Schools. In the global age, students all over the world study as a means of international consensus, and International Schools, which provide an educational environment where everyone communicates in English, are a good source of such consensus. Dr. Soleiman Dias of Chadwick International School Songdo has presented on the role of international education in Songdo’s educational system.
Writer Kim Ha-neul
Photos Jang Hyeon-sun
My Home Songdo, a City Changing Day by Day
Soleiman Dias moved to Songdo-dong, Incheon, in 2009. A native Brazilian, he has different job titles: PhD in social studies, President of the Songdo Foreign Residents Conference, and Dean of Admissions at Chadwick International School Songdo.
It took 13 years of working at an international school in Seoul for him to land a major position like a Dean of Admissions.
The students in international schools include the children of foreigners living in Korea and Korean students who want to experience a global educational environment.
What would be the educational motto of someone who has contributed decades to the teaching of students?
“Two major mottos are at work at Chadwick International School Songdo,” he says. “First, students need to hone their academic abilities. They need to develop creativity and originality in professional areas at each grade level.”
This seems to be a rather common educational goal here in Korea, but less common is his second educational motto: “humanistic education.” Chadwick International School Songdo applies humanistic education to the daily lives of students and the curricula they are taught.
“Every day, each student is given five humanistic education goals: respect for others, responsibility for their words, behaving fairly, honesty, and consideration for others, like friends and teachers. What is great about international schools is this humanistic education, in addition to the academic abilities so highly prized in Korea. “
Higher Quality of Life in Photos
Teaching is not Mr. Dias’ only passion in life. He is also President of the Songdo Foreign Residents Conference, a community for foreigners living in Songdo. How does he see Songdo as its president?
“So many things have changed in Songdo compared to when I first came here. The city used to be completely empty and windswept, but it has developed into a global city. The quality of life, living environment, culture, everything has changed significantly.”
He was so amazed by these changes that he kept photographs of them – buildings changing every day, the forest, more and more peoples’ footsteps. The speed of change has been unprecedented.
“The Songdo Foreign Residents Conference promotes the past and the present of Songdo. You can think of it as a guide and messenger for foreigners who come to Songdo for the first time to enjoy new lives here,” he says.
About 400 people have joined this community so far. Eight members work on an organizing committee to ensure effective operation. Mr. Dias said anyone who has inquiries about Songdo should contact him.
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