CAMP CASEY, South Korea — Soldiers assigned to the 210th Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division, and students from Shinhan University gathered Sept. 17 at Camp Casey for the opening ceremony of the fall 2026 Culture with Language Exchange Program (CLEP).
The ceremony welcomed the newest cohort of participants, marking the start of another semester of language practice and cultural exchange between the brigade and the university. During the event, representatives from both organizations emphasized the importance of building relationships between U.S. service members and the local community.
CLEP connects volunteer U.S. Soldiers and Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army Soldiers with Shinhan University students. The program provides students a practical environment to practice spoken English and learn about American culture. In return, Soldiers gain direct exposure to Korean language, traditions and daily life from local students living in the Dongducheon area.
For many participating service members, the drive to join stems from a desire to broaden their horizons while serving abroad.
“I volunteered to engage in meaningful cultural exchange and gain a deeper understanding of our host nation’s values,” said Spc. Jardell Hill, a multiple launch rocket system repairer assigned to Forward Support Company, 6th Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 210th Field Artillery Brigade. “Stepping outside my comfort zone allows me to broaden my perspective, grow professionally, and learn something new every day.”
The partnership began in September 2013 and continues through recurring academic sessions. Typically structured over nine to 10 weeks, the curriculum uses small-group conversations, presentations and interactive discussions. KATUSA Soldiers play a vital role in each session by facilitating activities and bridging communication gaps. Their involvement helps conversations move beyond basic translation, giving participants deeper insight into service, education and military life in South Korea.
For Soldiers serving overseas, CLEP offers a structured path to engage with host-nation neighbors outside routine military duties. For Shinhan University students, it delivers regular conversation with fluent English speakers while forging personal ties with the U.S. military community.
“This program provides a unique opportunity to build strong relationships with our ROK partners,” said Staff Sgt. Henry Hillman, a forward observer assigned to 210th FAB. “Supporting their English language proficiency while learning alongside them strengthens our interoperability and mutual understanding.”
These grassroots connections reinforce the mutual trust at the heart of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. The Sept. 17 ceremony launched the latest chapter in a decade-long partnership, proving once again that the connection between Camp Casey and Shinhan University remains second to none.
Social Sharing