NNU hosts Korean students from Dongseo University

Twenty-three students and two chaperones from Dongseo University in Busan, South Korea arrived on the campus of Northwest Nazarene University this weekend. The students, between the ages of 11 and 17, will spend two weeks on campus and in the surrounding areas. Dr. Eric Kellerer and assistant professor Jill Macauley of NNU organized this trip with Dongseo University in order to expose the students to terrain that differs from the port city of Busan, as well as to provide opportunities for the students to learn about American culture and to work on their English.

During the mornings the Korean students attend classes on American culture, math and science, art and social studies and life skills. NNU students and recent grads teach and coordinate activities for the group. During the afternoons, the students experience local attractions such as Roaring Springs Water Park and the Snake River Stampede.

Music education major Monica Messmer (‘11) organized a lively scavenger hunt for the students’ life skills class this morning. “It’s fun to get to introduce them to something new – these kids didn’t even know what sidewalk chalk was before today.” The students talked animatedly among themselves as they discovered the joys of sidewalk art. One student drew a heart around the words “Northwest Nazarene University,” while another called out at the discovery of a new bug crawling across his chalk creation. “Some are happier about learning English than others,” said Messmer, “but they are all really excited about being at NNU.”

Activities are planned throughout the remainder of this week to help the students learn English in a fun environment. Next week, the visitors will join local middle school students at Trinity Pines Camp, Cascade, Idaho, for the Intermountain District teen camp.

Photo caption: students from Dongseo University in South Korea enjoy class in Wiley at NNU.