Hyunjin Kang-Graham

What made you create the website Cyber Passport?

Getting a passport is not sufficient to go to a foreign country. To stay out of trouble and build good relationships with locals, you need to know about the country and its cultural etiquette. Cyber Passport was created to help you become a sensible traveler and real Global Citizen. By taking a cyber tour with Cyber Passport, you will be equipped with the basic knowledge you will need before you actually go somewhere. The more you know about the culture of your destination, the more you will enjoy and learn during your trip. We hope people across the world can come to understand differences in cultures and develop sincere friendships beyond borders. When we as Global Citizens achieve this, then the world will become a more peaceful and better place to live. Our wish is that Cyber Passport contributes to world peace by planting a seed of friendship and understanding.

What were the biggest difficulties in developing Cyber Passport?

Cyber Passport provides a brief introduction to all the countries across the world. Although it is said that we live in a global village, our knowledge about foreign countries is limited. The biggest obstacle we faced was in collecting information and selecting important pieces from that information about countries we have never visited. This project teaches all of us that collaboration is crucial to improving our understanding of each other. As a Global Citizen, you have the opportunity to introduce your country, culture and etiquette to foreigners, while you learn about their country, culture and etiquette from them. Your active participation is extremely valuable to make Cyber Passport work.  

Hyun-Sook, Im

How can I participate in Cyber Passport?

Cyber Passport is open to anybody. You can add or edit an article in the global etiquette section. Have you seen foreigners make mistakes in your country due to their lack of knowledge about your culture and cultural etiquette? Let them know and teach them how to avoid such mistakes through Cyber Passport. Foreigners will experience the kindness of your country through you as you represent your country in Cyber Passport. Or, if you visited some foreign countries and learned something useful, share your knowledge with us.

What do you think Global Citizens should be?

Global Citizens should be open-minded and willing to learn other cultures. Respect for difference is an essential requirement of Global Citizens. Difference is not a sign of inferiority or superiority. Lack of knowledge brings misunderstanding and creates negative stereotypes about other nationalities. Are you ready to become a Global Citizen with Cyber Passport?