1. The Core Values of LangStay

As international volunteers participating in the LangStay project in Korea, you are embarking on a journey that goes beyond typical volunteer work.

LangStay is more than just a project; it is a dynamic initiative designed to foster cultural exchange, personal growth, and community development. In a shared space that once served as an old facility, now transformed into a vibrant public hub, you will engage with local neighbors and fellow volunteers from around the world. Here, you will not only contribute to meaningful change but also immerse yourself in an environment that encourages learning, collaboration, and mutual respect.

At the heart of LangStay are our core values. These values serve as the foundation for everything we do, guiding our actions, interactions, and the overall direction of the project. They are designed to help you, as a volunteer, navigate the challenges and opportunities you will encounter, ensuring that your experience is both fulfilling and impactful. The LangStay core values are: Stewardship of Cultural Exchange, Empowerment through Experience, Resilience and Adaptability, Curiosity-Driven Learning and Growth, and Community and Collaboration.

1. Stewardship of Cultural Exchange is the cornerstone of our project. We believe in taking responsibility for nurturing and preserving the rich cultural interactions that occur within our shared space. As a volunteer, you will play a vital role in fostering an environment where cultural exchange is not only encouraged but also carefully managed to ensure sustainability. This stewardship extends to our relationships with the local community, where we aim to create a welcoming space for learning and interaction that leaves a lasting, positive impact.

• Care for Shared Spaces:
  Actively maintain and respect the spaces we share with others.
• Sustainability:
  Make decisions with the future in mind, ensuring the long-term success of the project.
• Inclusivity:
  Welcome all cultures and foster a space where everyone can feel valued and included.

2. Empowerment through Experience is central to your journey at LangStay. We are committed to providing you with meaningful roles and opportunities that allow you to learn, grow, and make a tangible difference in the project and the community. Empowerment at LangStay is about more than just participation; it is about ensuring that each of you leaves the project with new skills, knowledge, and a deep sense of accomplishment.

• Provide Opportunities for Growth:
  Allow individuals to take responsibility and develop new skills.
• Autonomy and Initiative:
  Encourage people to take initiative and lead, contributing their unique strengths.
• Support and Mentorship:
  Offer guidance and mentorship to empower others in their roles.

3. Resilience and Adaptability are essential qualities that you will develop and draw upon throughout your time in Korea. Volunteering in a foreign country, especially within a project as dynamic as LangStay, will undoubtedly present challenges. However, these challenges are opportunities in disguise. By approaching each obstacle with flexibility and a positive mindset, you will build resilience and adaptability—traits that will serve you well both during the project and in your future endeavors.

• Growth Mindset:
  Treat challenges as opportunities to grow stronger and wiser.
• Embrace Change:
  Be open to new ways of thinking and adapt to changes as they come.
• Perseverance:
  Stay committed to achieving long-term goals, even when faced with setbacks.

4. Curiosity-Driven Learning and Growth is encouraged at every step of your LangStay experience. We believe that curiosity is the engine of personal and professional development. As you engage with new cultures, ideas, and skills, your openness and willingness to explore will lead to continuous growth. This value is about fostering a lifelong love of learning that not only enhances your time in Korea but also enriches your understanding of the world.

• Lifelong Learning:
  Stay curious and eager to learn, even in areas outside of your comfort zone.
• Open-Mindedness:
  Embrace new ideas, cultures, and perspectives with a curious and open heart.
• Encourage Questions:
  Foster an environment where inquiry and exploration are welcomed and valued.

5. Community and Collaboration are the threads that weave the fabric of LangStay. We value the power of teamwork and the sense of community that emerges when people from diverse backgrounds come together to achieve a common goal. In this project, you will work alongside other volunteers and local residents to transform our shared space into a vibrant hub for cultural exchange. Through collaboration, we amplify our strengths and create a sense of unity and shared purpose that is at the heart of LangStay.

• Teamwork and Communication: Work together by openly communicating and sharing ideas.
• Collective Effort: Recognize the importance of collaboration in achieving the project’s goals.
• Celebrate Diversity: Embrace the diverse skills and backgrounds each individual brings to the table.

Our project motto encapsulates the essence of what we strive to achieve at LangStay:

“Through stewardship and empowerment, we grow in harmony. With resilience and curiosity, we overcome challenges, and through collaboration, we create a sustainable and thriving world for all.”

This motto is a reflection of our core values and the collective journey we are on. It speaks to the harmony that comes from stewardship and empowerment, where each individual's growth contributes to the overall well-being of the community. It highlights the importance of resilience and curiosity in facing challenges—qualities that are essential for personal and collective growth. Finally, it emphasizes collaboration as the key to creating a world that is not only sustainable but also thriving—a world where every person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to contribute and flourish.

As you immerse yourself in the LangStay project, these core values and our guiding motto will be your compass. They will help you navigate the complexities of volunteering in a foreign country, foster meaningful connections, and leave a lasting impact on the community. Your journey at LangStay is not just about giving back; it is about growing, learning, and creating something meaningful together. Welcome to LangStay, where your contributions are valued, and your growth is celebrated.