In the past, we used to think that there were so many places that needed help in our country that we didn't need to go abroad for volunteering. But now most people agree that we can broaden our view of the world and think about the meaning of life by participating in volunteering abroad.

In 2010, Jeju-NU made up an overseas volunteering team for medical services. The first team figured out that different kinds of volunteering services were needed for people in the Philippines. So the second team chose seven students from other departments as well as 13 students from the medical school and eight professors in the School of Medicine.

Our teams went to Iloilo in Cebu, Philippines. We visited different areas for three days. We rented local health center and community center buildings, which were so old and shabby. They only have four pillars and a tin roof.

In spite of the poor conditions, we were highly motivated and ready to serve many people in the village. Each professor operated different health care clinics, including obstetrics, dentistry, pediatrics, internal medicine, urology, neurosurgery and emergency medicine. Students on the medical team assisted the professors and prepared some medicine.

The general service team provided various events for children, such as playing balloon games, painting on bodies, and making cotton candy. These occasions created a festive mood in the village.

Everyone on the team worked hard with sweat and stayed true to his or her role. Students were deeply moved by professors trying their best until the last minute.

Some people will imagine beautiful blue oceans and resorts when they think about the Philippines or Cebu. But we realized that so many people were suffering from poor supply of nutrition and health services.

In fact, 900 million people are still struggling with hunger on earth, and a lot more people are not receiving appropriate medical care. Human dignity is being threatened. I'd like to have more time to think about human sufferings and the true meaning of volunteering through this experience.