An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Pyongtaek students take part in Osan English Camp

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Siuta B. Ika
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Students from the Pyongtaek area were invited to Osan Middle School, and into the homes of some of its students as part of the base's English Camp May 13-15.

Osan's English Camp is an annual U.S. Forces Korea Good Neighbor Program event that the base has hosted every year since 2005.

The camp gave both Korean and American students a chance to get a taste of each other's culture and an opportunity to practice their language and communication skills.

"The goal of this youth-outreach program is to introduce eighth-grade Korean students to the U.S. military forces stationed in the Republic of Korea, including families and our mission of contributing to the defense of the country," said Col. Patrick McKenzie, 51st Fighter Wing commander. "Furthermore, this camp will improve not only Korean students' English skills but also promote the ROK-U.S. alliance."

Throughout the three-day camp, the Korean students shadowed their American counterparts at school before spending the night with their host families.

"This is the fourth year I've hosted," said Michael Paul, a teacher at Osan Middle School and participant in the English Camp. "My family loves hosting each year and we enjoy sharing our home and learning from them. My favorite part is just getting to know the kids. They're no different than our own children."

Even though a success, Paul said as a host family member, he wishes one aspect of the program would change in the future.

"I would like for it to be longer, because having them for only two or three days doesn't really give the full opportunity for us to get to know them and for them to know us," he said. "I learn something new every year because the kids have different personalities and experiences. It's just a great program and my family really enjoys it."