IFEZ Journal

Introducing the International School  in IFEZ

Introducing the Global Campus in IFEZ <Calvin Manitoba International School>

Calvin Manitoba International School, founded in September 2023 in Songdo, Incheon, was established by the Greater Winnipeg Society for Christian Education (GWSCE)—a prestigious nonprofit educational organization with a 60-year legacy in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Shin Yong-seok, IFEZ’s Special Advisor for International Cooperation—who has played a key role in broadening the region’s international, social, historical, and cultural horizons—met with Kim Yoon-gon, Head of Calvin Manitoba International School since 2023, to discuss the school’s distinctive curriculum and community involvement.

SPECIAL INTERVIEW

Shin Yong-suk

special advisor for international cooperation within 

Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ)

Kim Yoon-gon(48)

Head of Calvin Manitoba International School

Shin Yong-suk Could you tell us why Calvin Manitoba International School, with its roots in Canada, decided to open a school here in Songdo, South Korea?

Kim Yoon-gon Songdo, Incheon, is a dynamic place that is rapidly growing into a global city—not only in Korea but across Asia and beyond. I believe that Songdo, as the home of many global companies and a multicultural population, is the optimal place to cultivate future talents with international insights and capabilities. From the start, I have closely collaborated with IFEZ, which is leading Songdo’s growth, sharing a vision to build educational infrastructure and establish an international education hub. Now in its third year since establishment, Calvin Manitoba International School aims to cultivate future global leaders by providing a high-quality Canadian educational philosophy and curriculum.

Shin Yong-suk Could you tell us about the strengths that set Calvin Manitoba International School apart?

김윤곤 There are three key strengths that I would highlight. First, Calvin Manitoba International School is officially accredited by the Manitoba Ministry of Education. This means that both our curriculum and academic credentials are fully recognized as equivalent to those in Canada, and all members of our teaching staff are fully certified by the Manitoba Ministry of Education. Second, we faithfully implement the fully accredited curriculum of the Province of Manitoba exactly as it is delivered in Canada, and upon graduation, students receive an official Manitoba High School Diploma issued by the Ministry of Education. This ensures that students have a reliable pathway to enter universities anywhere in the world. Third, while offering excellent education and infrastructure, we keep tuition fees at a very reasonable level compared to other international schools. One of our main goals is to ensure broader access to quality international education.

Shin Yong-suk  What are the key features of Calvin Manitoba International School’s curriculum, and how do they benefit the students?

Kim Yoon-gon Our curriculum follows the official education program of the Province of Manitoba, Canada. It is internationally recognized for its excellence and emphasizes developing students’ skills in critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and self-directed learning, rather than relying on memorization-based learning. Through this curriculum, we support students in building a solid academic foundation while also developing the essential skills needed for a rapidly changing future. At Calvin Manitoba International School, our educational approach is firmly rooted in the “5H Education Philosophy,” which prioritizes students’ holistic growth by fostering balanced development across five essential areas of Head (intellect), Heart (emotion and character), Health (well-being), Hand (skills and service), and Home (family and communication), all while supporting their academic success. This education provides them with a strong foundation to confidently pursue their own paths in any country and in any field they choose.

Shin Yong-suk Could you tell us more about the faculty at Calvin Manitoba International School?

Kim Yoon-gon One of the things we are most proud of is our exceptional faculty of nearly 70 teachers. As I mentioned earlier, each of our teachers is formally certified by the Manitoba Ministry of Education in Canada. They all have extensive teaching experience and deep expertise in their respective fields, and, above all, they genuinely engage with each student, providing thoughtful guidance tailored to individual growth and development. Calvin Manitoba International School invests generously in creating a stable and supportive work environment, enabling our outstanding teachers to concentrate fully on teaching. We believe that great educators are essential to delivering the highest-quality education.

Shin Yong-suk Could you tell us more about the diploma students receive upon graduation and the significance it holds?

Kim Yoon-gon Upon graduation, students are awarded an official Manitoba High School Diploma, issued under the authority of the Minister of Education of Manitoba, Canada. This means that our graduates have successfully completed the required credits from Grade 9 through Grade 12 under the standards established by the Manitoba Ministry of Education. The diploma holds academic recognition and prestige nationwide in Canada, as well as internationally—in the U.S., Korea, Europe, Asia, and beyond. Therefore, our graduates are well qualified to apply to a wide range of universities both domestically and abroad. We take pride in offering this diploma as a solid foundation for our graduates, empowering them to become future leaders on the global stage.

Shin Yong-suk Could you tell us about the character education and community activities offered to your students?

Kim Yoon-gon At our school, we place great importance not only on academic success but also on character development and strengthening students’ sense of community. In addition to subject-specific teachers, the school is also supported by four professional counselors who help students with their emotional well-being and personal development. Including these counselors, all members of the faculty and staff maintain ongoing communication with students and parents to address individual challenges and foster supportive relationships. A school should always be a safe and positive community where students learn to respect, care for, and cooperate with one another. As such, we also provide students with a variety of on- and off-campus activities—such as our student council, sports clubs, arts groups (band), volunteer activities (Habitat for Humanity), environmental clubs (Eco Clubs), and school newspaper—encouraging them to naturally develop leadership, responsibility, social skills, and a global citizenship mindset that contributes to both their local and global communities.

Calvin Manitoba International School Website

https://calvinschool.kr