<strong>YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea</strong> - Moving is never an easy task, especially overseas.
To help ease transitions for newcomers, Yongsan Army Community Service offers a host of free classes to smooth the potential culture shock of living in Korea.
"It's not hard to discover and enjoy the Korean culture," said Katy Hussey-Sloniker, Army Community Service Relocation Readiness Program manager. "We help take a lot of the guess work out of it, too, with our classes. It's amazing how much more you can enjoy your tour here just by being able to make out some Korean phrases or learn how to use the public transportation."
Among the 10 core programs ACS offers to help with transitioning to your new Yongsan home, ACS offers free cultural classes ranging from learning Korean to discovering Seoul. All classes take place at the Community Service Building. For information, call 738-7505.
*Aca,!aEURoKorean Language and Culture: Learn to read basic Korean letters and learn Korean phrases to improve your cultural experience in Seoul. Classes are held Tuesday and Thursdays 5:30-6:30 p.m. Pre-enrollment is required.
*Seoul Secrets-Korean Food Discovery: Learn Korean food names, discuss restaurant etiquette, and eat in a local Korean restaurant touted as a "hidden jewel" by community members. Class is held the second Wednesday of each month.
*Aca,!aEURoSeoul Secrets-Transportation 101: Learn about the multitude of transportation choices Seoul has to offer, such as the subway, express buses and local buses. Classes are held the third Wednesday of each month.
*Aca,!aEURoEnglish as a Second Language: Mondays and Wednesdays 4:30-5:30 p.m. The classes are designed to assist foreign-born dependents of U.S. Servicemembers looking to improve English language skills. Pre-enrollment is required.
"When military members and their Families are lucky enough to travel and live in an overseas military installation, the view of the world expands with new ideas and perspectives," Hussey-Sloniker said.
It is important for new international military movers to prepare themselves and their families for cultural diversity, the language and an exciting, new military lifestyle, she said.
"You are a grass-roots ambassador for the United States," Hussey-Sloniker said.
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