YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea - Fifty-nine Korean 10th graders from Seoul, Pyeongtaek and Daegu met their host families here at Camp Kim on the first day of the U.S. Forces Korea Good Neighbor English Camp May 16.
"I have never been to English-spoken countries," said Park So-yeon from Siji High School. "I will try my best to learn something from this program."
The Good Neighbor English Camp is an opportunity for 10th graders who had not lived in the United States or other English-speaking countries to become familiar with the English language and experience the American lifestyle without boarding an airplane and flying 6,000 miles away from their home.
The program included class sessions with Seoul American High School students, a Joint Security Area tour, a Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base tour, basic first aid training from the 65th Medical Brigade and a final graduation ceremony.
On the second day of the camp, the students moved to United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and United States Forces Korea Command headquarters to get a welcome briefing.
Eighth U.S. Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Joseph. F. Fil. Jr. and UNC/CFC/USFK Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Winzenried welcomed the students to the headquarters.
"This is my first time to meet a general," said Bae Su-hyun from Chunggu High School.
After a group photo, the students moved to Seoul American High School to meet their own sponsor students. Each Korean student and American student attended classes together, giving the English Camp students another chance to interact with their American peer group.
"This is my second time escorting a Korean student. I am always happy to be with them. They are nice and kind," said Angela Delgado, a SAHS student.
A field trip to Joint Security Area and 3rd tunnel near the Korean Demilitarized Zone gave the students a first-hand view of the world's most heavily armed border.
"I have never felt the tension between the North Korea and South Korea before coming to this place," said Kim Hyun-chang from Shimin High School. "I am really proud of our Soldiers standing straight protecting our nation."
The students enjoyed a field trip to Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base. Pyeongtaek-area students introduced their hometown where Camp Humphreys is located on the way to the camp. At Humphreys, static displays by 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade were set up for the students.
"I am really fond of the fighters and other planes. This is just great and it seems like my dream is becoming true," said Kim Hyun-chang from Shimin High School.
Together with U.S. Soldiers and Korean Augmentees to the U.S. Army, the 10th graders also enjoyed recreational opportunities, such as bowling, basketball and rock climbing.
At the graduation ceremony, the students, their host families, escorting teachers, sponsor SAHS students and USFK staff shared the sadness to having to say goodbye.
"I want to thank everyone for making this year's Good Neighbor English Camp one of the best ever had. I would especially like to thank some of the organizers of the events," said UNC/CFC/USFK Commander Gen. Walter L. Sharp. "This is the place where we meet the next generation of the leaders who develop an understanding and respect for the cultures of international neighbors. And this is where they begin to build the bonds to keep our alliance strong for years to come."
This was the sixth year that USFK hosted the GNEC. The camp, held May 16 - 22, invited Korean students under the direction of the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, based on their ability to speak English and their willingness to participate in a home-stay program. Most participants had not lived in the United States or other English speaking countries.
The program is designed to introduce Korean students to U.S. Forces Korea, its personnel, mission and policies through a series of organized, interactive and educational activities conducted on USFK installations. The students were provided with numerous opportunities to meet American high school students, their families and the military personnel serving to maintain peace and stability in the Republic of Korea.
The experience allowed these students to become more familiar with the English language and the American culture and had a positive impact on these future leaders of Korea.
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