In January 2026, the Pacific Literacy Consortium (PLC) partnered with the University of Hawaiʻi Center on Disability Studies (CDS) to support a student-centered international exchange with Hankyong National University (HKNU), located in Anseong, Korea. The effort was led by PLC Director Dr. Hugh Dunn and CDS faculty member Dr. Kiriko Takahashi as part of a broader CDS-HKNU partnership focused on disability research, campus accessibility, and universal design.
As part of the exchange, UH System student ambassadors, who were selected through a competitive application process, participated in a structured dialogue with HKNU students to explore how universities can create more accessible, inclusive, and supportive learning environments. The ambassadors engaged HKNU students in interactive activities designed to elevate student voice, encourage cross-cultural peer learning, and generate practical recommendations for improving accessibility in classrooms, campus services, and everyday university life.
This collaboration reflects PLC’s mission to build strategic partnerships that expand educational opportunity and improve outcomes for learners. By supporting structured dialogue, student leadership, and inclusive practice, PLC helped create a meaningful forum where students could share lived experiences, identify barriers, and contribute ideas that may inform future educational programs and partnerships.
The exchange also aligns with PLC’s commitment to strengthening school, university, and community partnerships that advance equity, access, and student success. Through collaborations like this, PLC continues to support learning experiences that connect students across cultures and contribute to a more responsive and accessible educational system.
