Go WEST!

[성김 대사]

With Foreign Minister Yun, I recently signed an agreement to renew the U.S.-Korea partnership on the Work, English, Study, and Travel (WEST) program.  When President Obama and President Park met earlier this year in May, both leaders agreed that the WEST program has played an important role in strengthening people-to-people ties between our two countries.  Since its launch in 2009, the WEST program has sent about 2,000 Korean students to the U.S. to study English, travel, learn about American business practices, and work as interns at U.S. companies. President Obama even met some WEST participants after his speech at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) when he visited Korea in March 2012.

After the signing ceremony at MOFA with Foreign Minister Yun

I am a huge fan of the WEST program.  This wonderful program helps enrich the relationship between the Korean and American people by giving young people in both countries the opportunity to learn about each other and make friendships and business connections that will no doubt serve them well in the future. 

At the signing ceremony, I had a chance to talk with several recent WEST program participants.  They were very impressive; I’m confident that they will do very well in their chosen fields.  I hope that all WEST participants will continue to take interest in U.S.-Korea relations and help us shape our alliance positively into the future.

Korean WEST students experiencing American family life on their travels through the U.S.!

WEST is only one of several State Department exchange programs that bring Koreans to the U.S.  Right now, the Embassy is accepting applications for another exchange program called UGRAD, which provides a semester or year abroad in the U.S. for Korean students who otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to go.  If you’re interested in the UGRAD program, be sure to apply by December 4!

[Mrs.Fields]

Go West and Come East!