Good Neighbors

[성김 대사]

One of the aspects of Korea that impresses me most is the emphasis parents and students place on academic success.  Few countries in the world exhibit the same drive for education that Korea does.

We are delighted that so many Koreans choose to pursue their studies at institutions in the United States.  For some years, the number of Korean students studying in the U.S. has represented the third-largest group of all international students, just behind China and India, which is quite an impressive feat given the relative populations of these three countries! 

Today, I would like to introduce you to two programs that were created for Korean students who are interested in U.S. politics, history, and culture, but may not get a chance to study in the U.S.

2012 Good Neighbor English Camp brochures (USFK photo)

The first is called “The Good Neighbor English Camp.”  This is an annual event where Korean students from all over the peninsula have the opportunity to come onto Yongsan base to live with, learn from, and have fun with American host families for a week. Through this year’s camp 64 students became more familiar with American culture and the U.S. military base. 

During their time on the Yongsan base, the students attended classes at Seoul American High School (SAHS), enjoyed an American-style pizza party with their SAHS friends and toured the Yongsan and Camp Humphreys bases, as well as the DMZ’s Joint Security Area.  The week ended with a great picnic and graduation ceremony. 

Students at U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan (USFK photo)

The English Camp is advertised by word of mouth through local educational offices in Seoul, Daegu, and Pyeongtaek.  Students are chosen by local school boards based on their ability to speak English, their GPAs, and their willingness to participate in a homestay program.

I think one of our staff members summed it up best when she said: “We may be the only American family they ever really get to know, and I hope that we made a good impression on them.  I hope they keep in touch.”

The second program that we run is called the “New Generation Seminar.”  The Embassy organizes this annual program in order to provide a select group of university students with a better, more accurate understanding of the U.S. and its role in the international community.  This year’s program, the fifth of its kind, brought together 16 students from some of the best universities in Seoul for six rigorous days of discussion sessions with U.S. Embassy staff, visits to American multinational companies, meetings with American veterans of the Korean War, and U.S.-themed cultural exhibitions.   

Great conversation with Korean students over coffee!

I had the opportunity to meet with these students for an informal discussion about their thoughts on the seminar, U.S.-Korea relations, and the ways in which the U.S. Embassy can better engage and understand the issues that are important to Korean youths.  The conversation we had was not only a great way to learn more about the concerns and interests of young people here, but it was also a great way for me to learn more about Korea as a whole.  I hope the conversation was beneficial to the students, and I look forward to hearing about how/whether what they learned in the New Generation Seminar helps them back at school and later in their careers.

Both these programs fit right in with what I enjoy engaging in the most: strengthening our people-to-people ties.  I hope to meet some of you when you participate in these programs one day!