YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea " As a part of the 2011 Good Neighbor English Camp, students from around the Korean Peninsula stayed with a host family here May 16 - 23.
This year, 66 high school students from Seoul, Pyeongtaek, Daegu, Busan and Mokpo were selected by the Republic of Korea Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
Most of the students have not lived in the United States or another English-speaking country.
Selection was based on their English-speaking ability and willingness to participate in a home-stay program.
Throughout a week, students took classes at Seoul American High School and visited to the Joint Security Area, Camp Humphreys, the wreckage of the ROK Navy Ship Cheonan and the Korean War Memorial Museum.
Students from Seoul American High School voluntarily escorted the Korean students.
“A lot of things made me decide to be involved in this event," said Danari White, a SAHS 9th grade student escort. "I learned a lot about Korea.".
On the last day, participants and student escorts played basketball and dodge ball. Lunch was catered by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service and the Korean students enjoyed their last meal on post.
“It was too short for me compared with a week in a school," said Eom Hyo-yun of Mokdong High School. "I was very satisfied with this program and hope more students have chance to take this program."
“It was very nice opportunity, including field trips to JSA and the Cheonan ship. All the staff, including the Korean augmentees and host families were kind to me,” said Ko Young-min of Mokpo High School.
“In general, we enjoyed volunteering and bringing a high school student into my house was different and kind of adventure,” said John Kuykendall, who hosted of two Korean students for this camp.
At the graduation ceremony, U.S. Army Gen. Walter L. Sharp, commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea, ROK Army Gen. Jung Seung-jo, deputy commander of Combined Forces Command, and Command Sgt. Maj. Robert A. Winzenried, the UNC, CFC, USFK and Eighth Army command sergeant major, presented certificates to the Korean participants and awards to the SAHS student escorts.
During the ceremony, Sharp spoke to the students, calling them the future of ROK-U.S. Alliance.
“I also want to thank you to Korean high school students who volunteered and participated in this program," said Sharp. "Your openness to experience another culture is truly remarkable. I challenge each of you to continue to contribute to the Republic Of Korea and U.S. Alliance. I hope this week is just start for you can engage our community and United States Forces Korea for many years to come.”
The Good Neighbor English Camp evolved from a recommendation made by the Korean Advisory Council to the United States Forces Korea commander addressing the need for a special program to immerse Korean Youth in an English-speaking environment without flying across the Pacific Ocean.
This was the seventh annual Good Neighbor English Camp.
The program designed to introduce Korean students to USFK, its personnel, mission and policies, through a series of organized, interactive and educational activities conducted on U.S. installations.
The goal is for the English Camp participants to become “Goodwill Ambassadors” as they relay their experience with friends, families, teachers and classmates. Building upon mutual respect and friendship, GNEC provides great opportunities for cultural exchange and lots of fun.
The camp will be remembered to 66 Korean students and 68 SAHS escorts not only as a chance to learn a foreign culture, but also as a positive experience for the future leaders of ROK-U.S. Alliance.
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