After a five-year hiatus, Mr. and Mrs. Jolly led a group of eager students on the Rustic Pathways Mongolia trip from Sept. 16-22. Thrilled to forge memories, 22 middle and high schoolers dove into an adventure filled with cultural dialogue, transformation, and daily hands-on activities.

Two local tour guides, Anya Erdene and Dashnyam Nergui, traveled along with the DIS students. They helped them not just to sightsee, but to connect with Mongolian culture. From the beginning of the journey, the participants grasped that they were in for a treat. “I was really excited to explore the sites and do volunteer work with my friends. Everything was new and vibrant, and I couldn’t wait to throw myself into this incredible adventure,” Elly Song in seventh grade said.

The cohort began with a visit to the Zaisan Memorial, a tribute for Mongolian and Soviet soldiers who fought in World War II. As they stood before the towering monument, the travelers couldn’t help but feel the weight of the history. “It really hit me. It reminded me of Korea’s struggle for independence from Japan. We’re so different, but the fight for freedom is something we can all relate to,” Song said. 

Next, the crew toured the Mongolian Natural History Museum, where students from #87, a school in Ulaanbaatar, eagerly introduced them to their world. Despite the language barrier, both groups found creative ways to connect with one another. Google Translate, body language, and a shared smile allowed for a meaningful interaction. “At first, it was kind of awkward,” Chloe Cho from 11th grade said, “but once we started trying to communicate, it became so much fun.”

On the second day, participants met Ulzii Sodnomsenge, the founder of Uuliin Nuur (Green Lake). He single-handedly transformed a former dumpsite into a beautiful community park with an ice rink for the residents of the Ger district – residential districts in Mongolian traditional settlements that often lack access to urban resources. 

As Ulzii told his story, the students couldn’t hide their astonishment. “I was so impressed with the fact that he had finished all the work by himself. He seemed extremely determined to help his community, and it was a great motivation for me as well,” Cho said.

After the dive into Mongolian culture, the travelers prepared to roll up their sleeves and become involved in hands-on community services at school #87. They split up into four groups and engaged in various construction projects to improve the school’s facilities. Despite the freezing cold, everyone committed to the work for nearly 3 hours. 

The participants celebrated a hard day of work with relay games alongside their Mongolian counterparts. Although the exchange didn’t go smoothly at first, they grew closer as they worked together in a variety of activities. “We were all cheering and laughing together. Since it was my very first time getting to interact with students from other countries, everything felt new and exciting,” freshman Mika Lee said.

However, some participants expressed frustration about the bathroom facilities and certain food servings. “When I first stepped into the shower for our ger, I gasped because it wasn’t what I expected. Plus, some of the food they served me wasn’t really my taste, especially the milk tea I tried in the local residents’ place,” ninth-grader Sol Sakong said.

Despite these setbacks, the students learned to appreciate their experiences. “I don’t regret going at all. Although there were times when things weren’t at their best, it made me recall all the things I got to enjoy. I have become more appreciative of what I have, and that completely changed my perceptions of life,” Sakong said.

The trip encompassed more than just tourism – it allowed participants to open their eyes to new cultures. They stepped out of their comfort zone and engaged in fresh opportunities to build a stronger community.

Gallery • 8 Photos

With a gleam of pride in her eyes, Olivia Park in seventh grade boasts her piece of Classical Mongolian Script. She successfully blends Korean and Mongolian languages in her creation. Photo used with the permission of Rustic Pathways.